South Africa: Tributes Pour In for South African Multi-Award-Winning Musician Zahara

Zahara/Instagram
Zahara.
12 December 2023
allAfrica.com
By Melody Chironda

Multi-award-winning singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, has passed away at a Johannesburg hospital.

She was 36.

Taking to her official Instagram account, Zahara's family confirmed her passing with a heartfelt message: 'She was a pure light and an even purer heart.'

The statement read;

"It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Zahara. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Zahara departed this world on Monday, 11 December 2023. She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world. A legendary figure in the world of music, Zahara remarkably touched millions of people's lives with her extraordinary gift and passion for music. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the music industry and a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts and souls. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. May we remember Zahara not with sorrow, but with stories of healing, joy, kindness, and inspiration she brought to us through her life and her music. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her melodies continue to echo in our hearts forever."

Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Zahara's indelible imprint on the country's musical landscape. "I am very saddened by the passing of  Zahara. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. The government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact on South African music," he said.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) also echoed these sentiments, honoring Zahara as an illustrious icon whose influence knew no bounds.

Fellow musicians and fans also expressed their condolences to the Mkutukana family.

Zahara was best known for her soulful voice and her hit song "Loliwe." She released five albums throughout her career, all of which achieved critical and commercial success. She was also a recipient of numerous awards, including 17 South African Music Awards and three Metro FM Awards.

In  2020 she featured in the  BBC 's 100 Women list, which highlights the most inspiring and influential women from around the world.

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