- South African singer Zahara has died
- She was only 36 years old
- The singer had been battling alcohol addiction
She was the heartbeat of Cape Town. In an announcement that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, South Africa bids a tearful goodbye to its Afro-soul sensation, Zahara (real name Bulelwa Mkutukana), who has tragically passed away at the tender age of 36.
Platinum dreams to sudden silence
Her journey from a humble rural upbringing to a chart-topping superstar has been an inspiration to many, and her sudden death leaves a void in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Born Bulelwa Mkutukana in 1987, Zahara was self-taught on guitar and broke through in 2011 with her debut album, Loliwe, a commercial hit that also won album of the year at the South African music awards.
She performed the title track for Nelson Mandela at his home before his death in 2013, and later wrote a tribute song with the lyrics: "Hero of heroes / There’s none like him." That song, like the rest of her discography, was sung in a blend of Xhosa and English.
Her second album, Phendula, opened with a collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, while the country-influenced follow-up, Country Girl, went three times platinum. She signed with a major label, Warner Music, for her fourth album, Mgodi, following a dispute with previous label TS Records.
She also campaigned against violence against women, which she described in 2020 as a "pandemic" in South Africa. She said she was a survivor of an attack from a man who pepper-sprayed her in his car.
"[Men] feel like they are entitled to women, like women are theirs," she told the BBC. "Men in South Africa, all they care about is them."
An icon in every way
Zahara, the voice behind the double platinum sensation "Loliwe," has left us speechless. The South African songbird, who soared to fame with her 2011 debut, captured the nation's spirit with her soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics.
Her family's statement on her official X page left us with more questions than answers, revealing no cause of death but reminding us of her recent hospitalization for an undisclosed issue.
"She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world," her family mourned. Zahara's music, a blend of isiXhosa and English, not only won her 17 South African music awards but also international acclaim, earning her a spot on the BBC's list of the 100 most influential women in 2020.
Her discography, boasting one triple platinum and one platinum album, is a testament to her enduring talent. Fans have been grieving and sharing fond memories of her on social media. "She left us with such beautiful music," one X user posted.
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Rest in peace
From political figures to Parliament, South Africa unites in grief over the loss of its "Country Girl." Zahara's music, marked by her Christian faith and the scars of apartheid, resonated with a generation seeking hope and healing. Her hit single "Loliwe" became an anthem of perseverance, urging a nation to "wipe your tears" and "pick yourself up."
Zahara's natural gift for music saw her teaching herself guitar and composing songs without formal training. "All along I was just using my ears,” she once revealed. Her intuitive approach to music created a sound that was both raw and refined, a sound that will echo through the ages.
As we mourn the loss of a true musical icon, Zahara's voice "that could reach the heavens" will continue to inspire and uplift. Her story, her songs, and her spirit will not be forgotten.
