South African Afro-pop singer Zahara has died at the age of 35.
The award-winning singer, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died at a hospital in the city of 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.
Bulelwa 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.
She started her career busking on the streets of East London, South Africa.
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, she said her music was not for recognition but to bring comfort to broken souls that need healing.
Zahara cause of death: How did Zahara die?
She passed away on December 11, 2023, after suffering with liver problems from years of alcohol abuse.
The singer 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 Zahar.
“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”.
Her 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.”
When is Zahara funeral service?
As of now, the funeral date of the late singer has not been disclosed by her family.
Having said that, we are still following up on her death, we will update you as soon as we get important information about Zahara funeral service.
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