The world mourns the untimely demise of the acclaimed artist Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, who passed away tragically at the age of 35.
On Monday night, the multi-award-winning musician took her last breath at a private hospital in Johannesburg. The sorrowful news was officially confirmed by Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa, who expressed profound grief on social media. In a heartfelt message, Kodwa conveyed, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My sincere condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. The government has been providing support to the family during this difficult time. Zahara and her guitar left an indelible mark on South African music.”
Reports indicate that Zahara had been admitted to the hospital a week earlier, shortly after celebrating her birthday on November 9. The hospitalization occurred following the payment of lobola (bride price) by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba. A statement released by the family a week before her passing mentioned, “Zahara has been admitted to the hospital following a week of complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently, and we await further updates from them.”
Despite efforts to maintain confidentiality, misinformation about Zahara’s health circulated on the internet. The family emphasized the need for accurate information and clarified that updates would only be communicated through her official social media platforms. They stated, “Unfortunately, even though our daughter’s hospitalization has been of strict confidentiality within our family and close friends, that hasn’t stopped the spread of disingenuous information on the internet. We want to stress that any reliable information regarding Zahara’s health will be communicated via her official social media platforms or by herself.”
Zahara’s musical legacy is marked by chart-topping albums, from the double-platinum debut “Loliwe” (2011) to “Nqaba Yam” (2021), which reached number 1 on iTunes. Throughout her illustrious career, she garnered an impressive collection of 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.
Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara’s influence extended to global recognition, earning her a place on the BBC’s 2020 list of 100 Women. In 2021, she also served as a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa, showcasing her multifaceted talent and leaving an enduring impact on the world stage.
