How Did South African Singer Zahara Die? As Family Mourns Singer

South African songstress Zahara, known for her soulful Afro-soul music, has passed away at the age of 36. The news was shared by her family on her official X page.

Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, rose from humble beginnings to become a sensation with her debut album “Loliwe” in 2011, which quickly achieved double platinum status.

The family did not disclose the cause of her death, but they had previously mentioned her hospitalization for an undisclosed issue last month, urging for privacy during that challenging time.

Zahara’s impact on the music scene was immense. Her debut album became South Africa’s second-fastest-selling album, following in the footsteps of Brenda Fassie’s iconic 1997 record. Zahara went on to win 17 South African music awards, receiving recognition not only in her home country but also in Nigeria. In 2020, the BBC listed her among the 100 most influential women in the world.

Her music, often marked by simplicity, resonated with a broad audience. Zahara, fondly referred to as South Africa’s “Country Girl,” blended her Christian faith with reflections on the nation’s painful history of apartheid. The single “Loliwe” from her debut album, for example, addressed the impact of racial segregation, particularly the departure of fathers, brothers, and sons to Johannesburg in search of work.

Her untimely passing has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences from across South Africa, with major political parties and the Parliament expressing difficulty in accepting the news. Zahara’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her influential contributions to South African music.

How did Zahara die?

In 2019, Dyosiba had previously revealed that Zahara’s struggles with alcoholism had contributed to her liver disease. Nomonde, Zahara’s sister, shared doctors’ warnings, stating that continued drinking would lead to fatal consequences. Zahara’s candid admission in a 2019 Times Live interview shed light on her use of alcohol as a coping mechanism following the loss of her brother.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0JOR35oZXU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MjM0N2Q2NDBjYg==

Born in 1987, Zahara, also known as Bulelwa Mkutukana, was a self-taught guitarist whose debut album, “Loliwe” in 2011, garnered widespread acclaim, winning Album of the Year at the South African Music Awards. Her last album, “Nqaba Yam,” was released in 2021.

Zahara’s musical journey began in childhood where she discovered her love for singing as the lead singer of her Sunday school choir at the age of 6. Despite lacking formal musical training, Zahara’s innate gift, as she described it in a 2021 interview, propelled her to musical stardom.

Known for her unique voice, Zahara sang in both English and Xhosa, her native language. She drew comparisons to international artists such as Tracy Chapman and India and collaborated with renowned figures like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Robbie Malinga, and Nigerian singer 2Baba.

Beyond her musical contributions, Zahara actively participated in women’s movements in South Africa, advocating for female victims of violence. She openly discussed her own experiences as a victim during her 20s, emphasizing the role of prayer in overcoming difficulties.

Following her passing, Zahara’s family shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, describing her as “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 her.”

As fans expressed grief on social media, Zahara’s legacy lives on through her timeless music and her impact on South African culture.