Bulelwa Mkutukana, who went by the stage name
Zahara, passed away on Monday night at a Johannesburg hospital.
The
circumstances surrounding her demise remain unclear. The renowned singer and
songwriter had been hospitalized last month, with her family disclosing on
November 27th that the Loliwe sensation was admitted due to physical
discomfort. Zahara made history in 2012 by securing five Sama awards at the
18th Annual South African Music Awards in Sun City.
Her
album, Loliwe, triumphed in categories such as Best Smooth Urban Music Album,
Special Award for Best Selling Album, and Album of the Year. Additionally, she
earned accolades for Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Best
Collaboration Sama for Incwad’Encane featuring Georgy.
Mofokeng,
reflecting on Zahara's life, describes it as a quintessential South African
tale—a girl from the rural Eastern Cape who ascended to fame in Johannesburg
through her innate talent.
He
emphasizes that Zahara viewed her musical journey as a genuine calling, not
driven solely by fame or fortune but a sincere response to her calling.
Mofokeng laments her passing as a significant loss, asserting that South
African music is now diminished without her presence.
Recalling
his initial interview with Zahara before her breakthrough with Loliwe, Mofokeng
fondly remembers her authenticity. Zahara, according to him, was a person of
integrity, transparent in her interactions. He reminisces about the ongoing
conversations, even after his career transition from journalism, where Zahara
sought advice and shared her aspirations and dreams.