The Culture Minister of South Africa has announced the passing of the acclaimed Afro-pop singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely recognized as Zahara.
She had been hospitalized, reportedly due to liver complications, and the government had been providing assistance to the family ‘for some time,’ according to Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa.
The songstress gained prominence in 2011 with her widely acclaimed album ‘Loliwe,’ which resonated across Africa.
In 2019, Zahara candidly shared her struggle with alcohol addiction.
“Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” Mr Kodwa posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The family had verified last month that the musician was hospitalized and appealed to South Africans to include her in their prayers. She succumbed on Monday night at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital, as reported by the public broadcaster, SABC.
In a statement posted on Zahara’s Instagram account, her family said: “She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world.”
Fans have been grieving and sharing fond memories of her on social media.
“She left us with such beautiful music,” one X user posted.
Having launched five albums, Zahara garnered numerous accolades both locally and internationally. In 2020, she earned a spot in the BBC’s 100 Women list.
The songwriter utilized her platform to address the issue of violence against women in South Africa, an experience she openly shared as having happened to her.
During an interview with a local radio station last year, Zahara emphasized that her music aimed not for recognition but to provide solace to wounded souls in need of healing.