Tribute pours in for Loliwe hitmaker Zahara
In the wake of the untimely passing of the renowned AfroPop star, Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkututana, the world mourns the loss of a musical icon. Minister of Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, took to social media on Monday evening to share the sad news.
The minister expressed deep condolences to Zahara’s family and the entire South African music industry, acknowledging her as an artist who had not only made an incredible impact but also left an enduring imprint on the nation’s musical landscape.
I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music. pic.twitter.com/1a402aQfLs
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) December 11, 2023
On November 27, Zahara’s family had addressed concerns about her health, revealing that the 36-year-old singer had been hospitalized due to physical pains. She died at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday. The cause of her death remains undisclosed.
Zahara was a self-taught guitarist who broke into the industry in 2011 after being discovered by musician and entrepreneur DJ Sbu. She released her first studio album, Loliwe, which swiftly achieved double platinum status.
Over the years, she continued to captivate audiences with albums like Phendula and Country Girl, both reaching remarkable platinum milestones. Her fifth album, “Nqaba Yam,” even secured the top spot on iTunes. Throughout her career, she earned multiple awards including the SAMAs, and Metro FM as well as international awards.
