A Legend has fallen
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South Africa Award-winning musician declared dead by family members on the 11th of December 2023. Bulelwa Mkutukana (born 9 November 1987), best known by her stage name Zahara, was a South African singer-songwriter
She had been in hospital, reportedly with liver complications, and the government had been assisting the family "for some time", Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said.
Mkutukana achieved numerous success with her albums. Her debut, Loliwe (2011), went double platinum, followed by Phendula (2013), Country Girl (2015), and Mgodi (2017). Her fifth album, Nqaba Yam (2021), reached number one on iTunes. She won 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award. She was a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa in 2021.
The singer was hospitalised for days. A few days ago, IOL published that Zahara was unresponsive.
She had been in hospital, reportedly with liver complications, and the government had been assisting the family "for some time", Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said.
According to reports, Zahara received medical care. Her family and team confirmed that she was receiving care, and Nova, who spoke to her, reported that she was doing well.
Zahara was preparing for an upcoming international performance in Mozambique when the news of her condition came. Sources close to her family have reported severe scarring of her liver, suggesting a potential need for a liver transplant. This unforeseen development left Zahara's friends, colleagues, and fans deeply worried, prompting prayers for her swift recovery. Nova had diligently visited Zahara daily, witnessing her alternating between improvement and regression. He expressed his deep concern and hoped that she would be awake when he saw her. Nova and the rest of South Africa remain steadfast in their prayers, and EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has expressed his support for the musician.
While her family is yet to release an official statement, fans have been grieving and sharing fond memories on social media.
"Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music," Mr Kodwa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
"She left us with such beautiful music," one X user posted.
Here at HMRnews Updates, we sympathise with her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.
