The singer Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana

• The South African singer Zahara has died at 35.
• Tributes for the singer have been pouring in.
• In November, Zahara’s family issued a statement on the singer’s admission to hospital.

Tributes are pouring in for South African singer Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, after she died on Monday night at the age of 35.

The cause of the singer’s death has not been revealed but she was reportedly admitted to hospital last month due to liver complications.

Her family has not released a statement but in a statement on 27 November, they said: “Zahara has been admitted to the hospital for a week following complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently and we await further updates from them.”

“In the meantime, we are asking for privacy on this matter; and your continued prayers for the speedy recovery of our beloved Zahara.”

READ MORE | Zahara’s family asks for prayers and privacy after confirming week-long hospital stay

Zahara was born in the Phumlani informal settlement, outside East London. At the age of six, she started singing in her school and church choirs.

Zahara released her debut Loliwe in 2011, which went double platinum in less than two weeks. She released five albums altogether. She has also won multiple awards, including 17 SAMAs and three Metro FM awards.

In 2020, she was included on the BBC’s 100 Women list, which featured other notable names, such as actors Michelle Yeoh and Jane Fonda, and former Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin.

In 2019, she claimed that she had not been receiving royalties from TS Records for Loliwe.

READ MORE | Zahara celebrates ‘astounding success’ after 19 million streams and sets sights on global audience

Record label Warner Music Africa said in a statement that it was mourning “the sudden departure of Zahara, the esteemed South African singer-songwriter recognised for her multi-platinum successes and 17-time SAMA-winning impact on the music scene”.

“Zahara, affectionately known as South Africa’s cherished Country Girl, leaves a lasting legacy marked by the hauntingly soulful and profoundly emotive tones of her voice.”

Temi Adeniji, managing director at Warner Music Africa, added: “Zahara was a true music icon, a force whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with fans across South Africa and beyond.”

“Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and the entire music community during this difficult time,” Adeniji added.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa posted on X on Monday night: “I am very saddened by the passing of [Zahara]. 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 on South African music,” Kodwa added.

Musician Lady Zamar also posted on X: “Zahara did a lot for the music industry in South Africa.”

“[She] paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand. She will be missed. I never knew her personally, but her music was loud and brave.”

The EFF wrote in a statement: “The Economic Freedom Fighters [are] deeply saddened by the passing of award-winning songstress Bulelwa Mkutukwana, better known by her stage name Zahara, who passed away last night after prolonged illness and hospitalisation.”

“Zahara must be remembered as a pioneer in the music industry, who broke through in an industry that often discards women and destroys the lives of those who enter it,” it added.

Trade union federation Costau posted on  X: “Cosatu conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of Afro-pop singer and award-winning songwriter Bulelwa ‘Zahara’ Mkutukana, her relatives, colleagues in the creative arts fraternity and millions of global citizens.”