SOUTH AFRICA: Renowned musician Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, has tragically died at the age of 35.
The multi-award-winning artist breathed her last at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday night. The news was confirmed by Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa, who expressed his deep sorrow on social media.
“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,” shared Kodwa on X.
According to reports, Zahara had been hospitalized a week prior, shortly after celebrating her birthday on November 9. The hospitalization followed the payment of lobola (bride price) by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba.
A statement released by the family a week ago read, “Zahara has been admitted to the hospital following a week of complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently, and we await further updates from them.”
Despite efforts to maintain confidentiality, misinformation about Zahara’s health circulated on the internet. The family emphasized that accurate updates would only be communicated through her official social media platforms.