South African musician Zahara passes away

By CityLife Arts Writer

Tributes have started pouring in following the death of multi-award-winning musician Zahara.
The Loliwe hitmaker, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana, died at a Johannesburg hospital last night.

Her family is yet to release a statement.

On social media X, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa writes that he is saddened by her passing. The Minister has sent his deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family. He says that Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.

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

COSATU and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have also offered their deepest sympathies.

ATM described Zahara as an illustrious musical icon whose influence on the South African music landscape was unparalleled.

Meanwhile the EFF has released a statement on twitter as the organisation mourns the passing of the award winning artist.

The EFF Mourns The Passing Of Award Winning Artist Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana.

-For the EFF, Zahara was close to our hearts as she had a song of the EFF's Fourth Jazz Hour Album, iEFF lyangena which became incredibly popular during the 2021 Local Government Elections and Zahara… pic.twitter.com/YA3zBKtoKN

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 12, 2023

Zahara released five albums including Loliwe to Nqaba Yam.

Her passing has shaken the nation, and led to a flood of tributes. A country broken by the passing of one who had so often healed them.

She was celebrated, but not enough for the incredible talent she had.