Renowned South African Afro-pop sensation, Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known as Zahara, has sadly passed away at the age of 36. Her demise occurred on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital, a somber announcement confirmed by her family on Tuesday via her Instagram page.
In response to her passing, Zizi Kodwa, the South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, expressed deep condolences to the Mkutukana family and the entire music industry. He reflected on Zahara’s profound impact on South African music, highlighting her significant contributions.
Zahara rose to prominence with her acclaimed 2011 album, ‘Loliwe,’ capturing the hearts of music enthusiasts. Her recent health struggles, stemming from liver complications, led to hospitalization in November. Regrettably, her condition took a turn for the worse last week, leading to her passing.
The loss of Zahara reverberates through the music world, marking the end of an era for her exceptional talent and enduring influence on South African music.