The death of South African Afro-Pop star Zahara

Zahara, the renowned South African Afro-pop singer whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, is dead at age 35.

The talented musician, celebrated for her award-winning contributions, died on Monday evening following complications related to her liver, during her hospitalization in Johannesburg.

Reports had earlier indicated her hospitalization due to liver issues, confirmed by her family in November.

Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, shared condolences, expressing the government’s support for the grieving family.

He highlighted Zahara‘s profound impact on South African music, noting her remarkable presence with a guitar and her lasting influence.

“Government has been with the family for some time now” while expressing sadness over the passing of the singer.

“My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact on South African music”.

Zahara’s musical legacy spanned five albums and earned her a place on BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020.

Her artistic journey was adorned with numerous accolades, although she had openly discussed her struggle with alcohol addiction in 2019.

At present, there hasn’t been any official statement from her family regarding her death.