Singer Zahara dies at 36
Singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, has died at the age of 36.
The Loliwe hitmaker died at a Johannesburg hospital.
Minister of Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa confirmed the artist's passing on a social media platform X on Monday evening.
"I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music," said Kodwa.
Zahara was admitted to the hospital about two weeks ago due to liver complications.
The artist has released a total five albums since his debut album Mkutukana's released in 2011 with the hit song Loliwe.
The album has since went double platinum.
Her second album, Phendula released in 2013 produced three chart-topping singles "Phendula", "Impilo", and "Stay".
She has won at least 17 South African Music Awards during her illustrious career.
South Africans have started sharing their memories with her music on social media.
Trade union federation COSATU and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have also offered their deepest sympathies.
zahara did a lot for the music industry in south africa…paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand💔💔she will be missed. i never knew her personally but her music was loud and brave #ripzahara praying for her family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 she was loved ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RMtD4C6X9d
— Lady Zamar (@Lady_Zamar) December 11, 2023
The EFF Mourns The Passing Of Award Winning Artist Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana.
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 12, 2023
-For the EFF, Zahara was close to our hearts as she had a song of the EFF's Fourth Jazz Hour Album, iEFF lyangena which became incredibly popular during the 2021 Local Government Elections and Zahara… pic.twitter.com/YA3zBKtoKN
Zahara performing my favourite song "Umthwalo"....She was going through a lit indeed....#RIPZahara dj sbu. Nota. Tk nciza. Brenda fassie. Robert gumede pic.twitter.com/765X6Kga6K
— Meshack Mathe Bevhula (@MeshackBevhula) December 12, 2023
I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music. pic.twitter.com/1a402aQfLs
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) December 11, 2023
