Zahara, the award-winning South African Afro-pop singer, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana, has sadly passed away.
The country’s culture minister, Zizi Kodwa, announced her death. Zahara had been hospitalised due to liver complications, and the government had been providing support to her family during this time.
She gained fame in 2011 with her album “Loliwe,” which was widely loved throughout Africa. In 2019, Zahara bravely shared her battle with alcohol addiction.
Last month, her family confirmed her hospitalisation and requested prayers from South Africans.
According to the state-run SABC news website, she passed away on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital.
Although her family has not yet issued an official statement, fans have been mourning and reminiscing about Zahara 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.
Zahara, who has released five albums and won numerous awards both locally and internationally, was included in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020.
