Friends, fans, colleagues and the family of multi-award-winning musician, Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara have expressed sadness following her passing at a Johannesburg Hospital on Monday night.
Two weeks ago her family released a statement on Instagram confirming that she had been admitted in hospital after complaining about “physical pain.’’
Minister of Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa confirmed the news in a social media post on X.
‘’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 lasting impact in South African music,’’ the post read.
The Loliwe hitmaker released a total of five albums in her career after successfully debuting the first one back in 2011, which went double platinum.
Fellow songstress Lady Zama applauded Zahara’s contribution to the industry.
‘’Zahara did a lot for the music industry in South Africa…paved the way for so many others with her iconic presence and guitar in hand. She will be missed. I never knew her personally, but her music was loud and brave. #rip zahara! Praying for her family, she was loved’’, she said.
Zahara’s second album that was released in 2013 produced three top charting singles, Phendula, Impilo and Stay.
She bagged at least 17 South African Music Awards during her career.
One of her music lovers reminisced on how her music brought his family together.
‘’I feel like Zahara is the greatest of all time. When she released her album, Loliwe, that was one of the happiest times of my life because that was the last time I ever recalled my family coming together in the festive season. That was the last time I’ve ever seen people smiling, laughing and coming together. She left a good memory in my life, may she rest in peace,’’ he commented.
Appearing on MacG’s Podcast and Chill, Zahara said she wants to be remembered as a girl next door.
‘’I want to be remembered as the girl next door that changed lives, that’s it! Whether you’re in a shack or the suburbs, just know I’m next door because my music is here to inspire you,’’ said Zahara.
