Renowned South African Afro-pop sensation Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, has passed away, confirmed by the country’s Culture Minister. Zahara, celebrated for her iconic 2011 album “Loliwe,” which gained immense popularity across Africa, had been hospitalized due to reported liver complications.
During this challenging time, the government extended support to her family, as disclosed by Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa.
Zahara openly discussed her battle with alcohol addiction in 2019. Last month, her family revealed her hospitalization, requesting South Africans to keep her in their thoughts and prayers.
Sadly, Zahara succumbed on Monday night at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital, according to reports from the state-run SABC news website.
While an official statement is pending from her family, mourning fans have taken to social media to share cherished memories.
Minister Kodwa praised Zahara’s impactful contribution to South African music, stating, “Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”
With a discography boasting five albums, Zahara received numerous local and international accolades. Her inclusion in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020 added to her recognition.
Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara utilized her platform to raise awareness about violence against women in South Africa, drawing from her own experiences.
In a poignant interview last year, she emphasized that her music aimed not for fame but to provide solace to troubled souls in need of healing.