South African Music Sensation Zahara Passes Away

 Her passing marks the end of a 12-year career that left an indelible mark on the South African music scene.

A Photo of Zahara

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Renowned South African music artist Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, has passed away at a private Johannesburg hospital.

• The "Loliwe" hitmaker, aged 35, succumbed to "liver complications" after being hospitalized for two weeks.

• Zahara's fiancé, Mpho Xaba, was by her bedside during her final moments.

• The South African Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, expressed condolences and acknowledged Zahara's impactful contribution to the music industry.

• Zahara's family had confirmed her hospitalization a week prior, urging reliance on official channels for accurate health updates.

• The singer released five studio albums, with her debut album 'Loliwe' achieving double platinum status in 2011.

• During her illustrious career, Zahara accumulated 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.

• Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara gained global recognition and served as a guest judge on Idols South Africa in 2021.

• Zahara used her platform to advocate against violence against women in South Africa, drawing from her personal experiences.

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Renowned South African music icon Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, sadly passed away at a private Johannesburg hospital on Monday night, surrounded by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba. 

The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, famous for hits like "Loliwe," succumbed to "liver complications" after being admitted to the hospital two weeks ago.

Zahara's passing, occurring shortly before 9 p.m., led to an outpouring of grief nationwide. Zizi Kodwa, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music."

A week before her demise, Zahara's family had confirmed her hospitalization and appreciated the support received from well-wishers. In a statement, they emphasized the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information about Zahara's health.

The 35-year-old artist hailed for her unique style and powerful vocals, released five studio albums, with her debut album 'Loliwe' achieving double platinum status in 2011. 

Zahara garnered an impressive collection of 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.

Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara gained global recognition, earning a spot on the BBC's 2020 list of 100 Women. She also served as a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa in 2021.

Zahara, known not only for her musical prowess but also for her advocacy, used her platform to address issues such as violence against women in South Africa, drawing from her personal experiences. 

In a poignant interview last year, she expressed that her music aimed to bring comfort to broken souls in need of healing rather than seeking recognition. 

The 35-year-old's untimely death marks the end of a remarkable 12-year career that left an indelible mark on the South African music scene.