By Dorrothy Moyo | A government minister has announced that 35 year old singer, Zahara has died.
This was as one of her promoters said that the multi-award winning musician Zahara (real name Bulelwa Mkutukana) passed away by her fiancée Mpho Xaba’s side at a private Johannesburg Hospital.
The Loliwe hitmaker was admitted in hospital with liver complications two weeks ago. A source close to the family said the singer passed away just before 9pm on Monday night. She was a humble, lovely and larger than life character with deep rooted personal issues, promoter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda said in a tweet.
The award-winning singer and songwriter, Bulelwa Mkutukana, known by her stage name Zahara. Born on November 9, 1987, Zahara is currently in hospital battling a liver condition.
Just like #BrendaFassie didn't make it to 40yrs😫 l hate this music business in 🇿🇦💔💔💔💔 #RIPZahara
— PennyLebyane💚PennyLebyaneDotAfrica (@PennyLebyane) December 11, 2023
Zahara’s musical journey began when she signed a record deal with TS Records, leading to the release of her debut album, “Loliwe,” in 2011, which achieved double platinum status. The success continued with her second album, “Phendula” (2013), featuring chart-topping singles like “Phendula,” “Impilo,” and “Stay.”
The talented artist’s third album, “Country Girl” (2015), reached triple platinum status. Following her departure from TS Records, Zahara signed with Warner Music, releasing her best-selling album, “Mgodi” (2017), which was certified platinum.
Her most recent album, “Nqaba Yam” (2021), not only peaked at number 1 on iTunes but showcased her enduring impact on the music industry. Zahara’s accolades include an impressive 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and a Nigeria Entertainment Award.
Zahara’s influence extends beyond music; she was recognized on the BBC’s 2020 list of 100 Women and served as a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa in 2021.