Renowned South African Afro-pop artist Bulelwa Mkutukana, known as Zahara, has passed away, as confirmed by the country’s culture minister. Zahara, famed for her 2011 album “Loliwe,” which gained immense popularity across Africa, had been hospitalized due to reported liver complications.
The government had been supporting her family during this period, disclosed Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa.
In 2019, Zahara openly discussed her struggles with alcohol addiction. Last month, her family announced her hospitalization, urging South Africans to keep her in their thoughts and prayers.
Tragically, Zahara passed away on Monday night at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital, according to reports from the state-run SABC news website.
While her family is yet to issue an official statement, grieving fans have been sharing cherished memories on social media.
Minister Kodwa praised Zahara’s impactful contribution to South African music, stating, “Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”
With five albums to her name, Zahara received numerous local and international awards. In 2020, she was honored in the BBC’s 100 Women list. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Zahara used her platform to raise awareness about violence against women in South Africa, drawing from her own experiences.
In an interview last year, she expressed that her music aimed not for recognition but to offer solace to troubled souls in need of healing.
