The Culture Minister of South Africa has confirmed the passing of well-known Afro-pop sensation Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known by her stage name, Zahara.
Zahara, who became well-known throughout Africa with her 2011 album “Loliwe,” was hospitalised for liver problems. Minister Zizi Kodwa of Sports, Arts, and Culture said that the government helped her family through this difficult time.
In 2019, Zahara opened up about her battle with alcoholism, bringing attention to her personal struggles. Her family asked South Africans to pray for her last month as she fought health problems. 36-year-old Zahara passed away in a Johannesburg hospital on Monday night, according to the official SABC news website.
Social media has evolved into a place for fans to grieve and share special memories in the wake of the announcement.
Zahara’s significant influence on South African music was recognised by Minister Kodwa, who said, “Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”
X (formerly Twitter) was inundated with tributes to Zahara’s musical legacy. One user wrote, “She left us with such beautiful music.” Zahara, who has five albums to her credit, has won various national and international awards during the course of her career.
She used her platform to discuss violence against women in South Africa, drawing on her own experience, in addition to her musical accomplishments.
