The news of German singer and actress Nadja Abd el Farrag’s passing has left many reflecting on her colorful life and career.

Known to fans simply as Naddel, she died recently at the age of 60.

While her death actually occurred on May 9, it has only just come into the public eye, sparking a wave of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities alike.

From TV Fame to Personal Struggles

Naddel was a familiar face in Germany, especially for appearing on popular reality shows like I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Big Brother.

She also made waves in the music scene, working as a backing singer for the Blue System project led by none other than Dieter Bohlen — a pop legend known from the group Modern Talking.

Dieter and Naddel had an on-and-off relationship spanning over a decade from 1989 to 2001, and he took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, saying simply, “I am very sad. Rest in peace Nadja.”

Fans Share Their Memories and Condolences

Social media quickly filled with messages remembering Naddel’s vibrant presence and the ups and downs she experienced in life. One fan wrote, “Rest in peace, Nadja.

You dominated the high society news in my youth, and life’s rollercoaster was tough for you.

Passing at 60 is heartbreaking.” Another shared, “You were fun, but life wasn’t always easy.

RIP, Nadja.” The Mirror also noted that she was among the former Jungle Camp participants now sadly gone.

A Life Rooted in Hamburg with Complex Family Ties

Born in Hamburg to a Sudanese father, Ibrahim, and a German mother named Uta, Naddel’s early life was marked by strict family dynamics.

In interviews, she revealed she had been estranged from her father for 15 years before his passing.

Before stepping into the spotlight, she trained as a chemist’s assistant and worked in retail, showing a down-to-earth side behind the celebrity image.

Rising to Fame and Facing Hardships

Her big break came after meeting Dieter Bohlen in 1989, leading to her role as a backing singer for his Blue System project.

Despite her growing fame, she kept a part-time job at a hospice, showing her grounded nature.

The late 1990s saw Naddel featured in Playboy, and the 2000s brought her hosting gigs and reality TV stardom. However, the following years were tough.

In her 2018 autobiography Achterbahn (meaning Rollercoaster), she opened up about battling cirrhosis of the liver, worsened by substance abuse and medication for ADHD.

She admitted she struggled to quit drinking despite doctors’ warnings.

Financial Difficulties and Final Public Appearance

By her 60th birthday in March 2025, Naddel spoke candidly about her money troubles, revealing she only received a small pension of €200.

Though she sought help from a debt advisor, her financial situation barely improved.

In a touching act of support, Hamburg entrepreneur Andreas Ellermann organized a concert at Schlagermove in May 2024 to help her stage a comeback.

Unfortunately, that event became her last public appearance, as she soon withdrew from the spotlight.