BORN Bulelwa Mkutukana, but to you and I, she was better known Zahara.
She passed-on this morning after being admitted to hospital due to liver complications.
The sad news were confirmed by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
“I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry.
“Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” he wrote.
Famous for her signature afro hair, she’s released top selling songs such as “Phendula”, which topped the charts and won her two awards the 20th Samas. She won Best Selling Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year; “Country Girl” which was released under a new recording label, Warner Music Group, after she parted ways with TS Records, and went triple platinum and “My Guitar”.
“Loliwe” became a national anthem affirming her presence in the music industry.
The popular “Umthwalo wam” showed her fighting spirit as she faced tough times at the time of the recording of the song, especially alcohol and broken relationship, troubled soul, if you may.
Zahara leaves behind her family, and fiancé Mpho Xaba. In March, the singer announced her engagement. The pair have reportedly been together for six months and met through a mutual friend.
Warner Music AfricaTemi Adeniji, Managing Director, also mourns her sudden departure.
“Zahara was a true music icon, a force whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with fans acrossSouth Africa and beyond. Her impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and her legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who found solace and joy in her music.
As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary talent, let us remember Zahara for the indelible mark she left on the world through her artistry and the enduring beauty of her music. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and the entire music community during this difficult time.”
Zahara, the esteemed South African singer-songwriter is recognized for her multi-platinum successes and 17-time SAMA-winning impact on the music scene.
Her legion of fans, fellow musicians, continue sending messages of condolences to the Eastern Cape born.
Zahara leaves behind her family, and fiancé Mpho Xaba. In March, the singer announced her engagement. The pair have reportedly been together for six months and met through a mutual friend.
At the time of her death she was (35).
Image (“Umthwalo wam” famed star Zahara is no more).
