Who Was Zahara? South African Soul-Singer Dies At 36

Award-winning South African Afro-pop singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, has died, the country's culture minister said. Zahara was hospitalised a month ago due to some undisclosed health complications but some reports suggested the singer has been facing some liver complications. In 2019, Zahara also opened up about her battle with alcoholism. 

However, the reason for her death has yet not been disclosed and the family has asked for privacy. 

Zahara: South African Sensational Soul-Singer Dies At 36:

Award-winning Afro-pop singer from South Africa, Bulelwa Mkutukana professionally known by her stage name Zahara reportedly passed away at the young age of 36 on Monday. On Tuesday her family announced the singer's death by posting on her X account (Formerly known as Twitter) "We mourn the passing of Zahara."

Last month, the singer's family also confirmed that she had been hospitalised and asked South Africans to keep her in their prayers while requesting for privacy and did not disclose her illness. 

The fans since the announcement have been grieving the singer's death and are sharing her fond memories of music on social media while her family in the note also wrote "May her melodies continue to echo in our hearts forever."

Zahara's untimely passing left a void in the South African and global music landscape. However, her music continues to inspire and uplift, a testament to her artistry and enduring legacy.

Who Is Zahara:

Born Bulelwa Mkutukana in the Eastern Cape, Zahara is known for powerful vocals, soulful storytelling, and fusion of musical styles and was a force to be reckoned with for her rich, emotive, and effortlessly soaring, it carried the weight of her lyrics, which often explored themes of love, loss, resilience, and faith.

Zahara's love for music blossomed early as she was just 23 when she debuted with the album "Loliwe" in 2011 which won a double-platinum award becoming the second fastest-selling music album in South Africa after legendary singer Brenda Fassie's iconic record 'Memeza' in 1997.

Zahara was immediately compared to the iconic singer Fassie who also died at the young age of 39 while Zahara's talent wasn't confined by borders. She performed around the world, sharing her music on stages from South Africa and Europe to the United States. Her collaborations with international artists like Wyclef Jean and Baaba Maal further solidified her place as a global musical force. 

Zahara 2020 was also listed in BBC's 100 Women list. 

The singer also on numerous occasions used her global platform to voice violence against women in South Africa and was also vocal about facing it herself as well. 

Her iconic albums include "Loliwe," "Phendula," and "Country Girl."

We Mourn the Passing of Zahara #RIPZahara 🌹 pic.twitter.com/kSY1mQsL4i

— ZAHARA (@ZaharaSA) December 12, 2023