Zahara, the renowned South African musician, is dead.
The 35-year-old artist died at a private hospital in Johannesburg on the night of Monday, December 11.
The news of her death was confirmed by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
Kodwa described Zahara as an incredible artist who made a lasting mark in South African music.
“I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. 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 in South African music,” Kodwa wrote on X.
Reports say Zahara had been hospitalised a week prior, shortly after celebrating her birthday on November 9.
The hospitalisation followed the payment of lobola (bride price) by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba.
A statement released by the family a week ago read:
“Zahara has been admitted to the hospital following a week of complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently, and we await further updates from them.”
The statement added:
“Unfortunately, even though our daughter’s hospitalisation has been of strict confidentiality within our family and close friends, that hasn’t stopped the spread of disingenuous information on the internet.
We want to stress that any reliable information regarding Zahara’s healthwill be communicated via her official social media platforms or by herself.”
Alcoholism
Zahara suffered from liver damage as a result of her years-long battle with alcoholism.
South African musician Zahara. Source: X
After years of denials, she finally admitted to being an alcoholic in 2019.
She claimed, “I was frustrated, so I drank a little to find happiness,” in a later radio appearance.
“It wasn’t that I “needed it or that I was addicted to it.”
Accolades
Throughout her career, Zahara garnered a great deal of acclaim for her chart-topping albums, which include the double-platinum debut “Loliwe” (2011) and the number-one iTunes release “Nqaba Yam” (2021).
Her outstanding collection of awards includes one Nigeria Entertainment Award, three Metro FM Awards, and 17 South African Music Awards.
Zahara’s impact extended beyond her musical achievements, garnering her a place on the BBC’s 2020 list of 100 women due to her widespread effect.
In 2021, she was also a guest judge for Idols South Africa’s seventeenth season.
Fans and fellow musicians have been flooding the music community with condolences for Zahara following her untimely death.
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Born Bulelwa Mkutukana, Zahara’s contributions to the South African music industry are certain to make a lasting impression.
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