South African pop star singer Zahara died at the age of 35 after suffering with liver problems from years of alcohol abuse, it has emerged.
Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa confirmed the news in a tweet, expressing his deepest condolences to Zahara’s family and the music industry.
He remembered Zahara for the “incredible and lasting impact” she made on South African music, particularly highlighting her signature pairing with her guitar.
Zahara’s career spanned over a decade, during which she released numerous hit albums and singles, including the chart-topping “Loliwe” and “Ndiza.”
She collaborated with renowned musicians both locally and internationally, and her music resonated with audiences across the globe.
Zahara sadly battled alcoholism and struggled with her mental health for years.
She was hospitalised in South Africa last month with liver problems before her death on Monday.
Millions of the singers fans have been left reeling after her death.
During an interview this year she opened up about her struggles with depression.
She said: “People go through depression whether I know it or don’t know it.
“There’s no way I did not go through depression.
“There’s no way that I did not feel what you guys were saying to me, the daggers that you were pointing at me and digging me, that I did feel no pain.”
Zahara also told TimesLive that she drank as a way to cope with the death of her brother.
“I used to drink for myself to be happy, but now I saw I was drinking to sleep because of my brother’s death and what the company was doing to me.
“I couldn’t talk to nobody because I was scared of everything,” she said.
Her younger brother, Mbuyiseli Mkutukana, was murdered in 2014.
Then tragically in 2021, her older sister Nomonde Mkutukana died in a car accident.
Nomonde had 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.”
She said that when Zahara was told she had to stop drinking or she could die, it “broke her”.
Zahara’s musical journey began in 2011 with the release of her debut album, “Loliwe,” which achieved double platinum status. Her captivating voice and soulful melodies quickly captured the hearts of audiences.
She followed this success with a string of chart-topping albums, including “Phendula” (2013), “Country Girl” (2015), and “Nqaba Yam” (2017) – the latter reaching number one on iTunes.
Throughout her career, Zahara’s self-taught guitar skills and powerful vocals earned her numerous accolades, including 17 SAMusic awards, three Metro FM awards, and a Nigeria Entertainment award.
Her music resonated not only for its beauty but also for its messages of hope, resilience, and social justice.
