Prominent South African Music Star Zahara Passes Away At 35

Prominent South African Afro-pop sensation, Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known as Zahara, has passed away, according to the country’s Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa.

Zahara, renowned for her 2011 album “Loliwe” that gained popularity across Africa, had been hospitalized due to reported liver complications, and the government had been offering support to her family during this time.

In 2019, Zahara courageously shared her personal struggle with alcohol addiction. Minister Zizi Kodwa paid tribute to her musical legacy, stating, “Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”

Last month, Zahara’s family requested prayers for the artist, confirming her hospitalization. She peacefully departed on Monday night at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital, as reported by the public broadcaster, SABC.

In a heartfelt statement on Zahara’s Instagram account, her family described her as “a pure light and an even purer heart” and a source of hope and blessing to people globally.

Devastated fans have taken to social media to share their grief and reminisce about the artist. One user expressed, “She left us with such beautiful music.”

Beyond her musical accomplishments, she used her platform to address issues like violence against women, sharing her own experiences.

In a radio interview last year, Zahara emphasized that her music aimed not for recognition but to provide comfort to broken souls in need of healing.