Who is singer Zahara and what is her cause of death?
SOUTH African singer Zahara has died at the age of just 35.
The Afro-pop artist, who featured on the BBC's 100 Women list, died at a hospital in Johannesburg.
Who is South African singer Zahara?
Afro-pop singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known as Zahara, was born on November 9, 1987, in East London, South Africa.
The star first found fame in 2011 with album Loliwe.
Her talent even saw her included in the BBC's list of influential women in 2020.
She was a self-taught guitarist who won album of the year for Loliwe at the South African Music awards.
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Zahara even performed one of the album's songs for Nelson Mandela in 2013, before his death.
The talented star sang in her native language, Xhosa, as well as in English.
Her music was described as a mixture of styles, including Tracy Chapman and India Arie.
Zahara started her career busking on the streets of East London, South Africa.
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She was signed to the label TS Records by TK Nciza.
The songwriter also used her platform to speak out about violence against women in South Africa, something she revealed had happened to her.
In an interview with a local radio in 2022, Zahara said her music was not for recognition but to bring comfort to broken souls that need healing.
How did Zahara die?
Zahara passed away on December 11, 2023, after suffering with liver problems from years of alcohol abuse.
She battled alcoholism and was hospitalised in November 2023.
South Africa's Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa announced Zahara's death and said the government had been helping her family for "some time now".
He said: "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 in South African music."
The singer's manager confirmed she had been previously hospitalised with "physical pains".
Zahara's sister said in a heartbreaking statement in 2019: "If Zahara continues drinking, she is going to die.
"We are making sure that there is always someone around her to monitor her so that she doesn't start drinking again."
Tributes have flooded in for the late singer.
One fan tweeted: "Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music."
While another said: "She left us with such beautiful music."
What are Zahara's most famous songs?
Zahara, who released five albums, won many awards for her both local and international.
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Her biggest hit included:
- Ndiza (2011)
- Loliwi (2011)
- Destiny (2011)
- Phendula (2013)
- Umfazi (2017)