Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known as Zahara, a well-known South African Afro-pop phenomenon, has died, according to the country's Culture Minister.


According to Minister Zizi Kodwa of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zahara, lauded for her 2011 album "Loliwe," which reverberated across Africa, had been hospitalised due to liver issues, with government support offered to her family during this difficult moment.



In 2019, Zahara spoke out about her experience with alcoholism, sharing light on personal struggles. Her family requested prayers from South Africans last month as she battled health difficulties. According to the state-run SABC news website, Zahara, 36, died on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital.









Following the announcement, social media has evolved into a platform for followers to grieve and share fond memories. Minister Kodwa stated, "Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music."


X (previously Twitter) was overwhelmed with tributes to Zahara's artistic legacy, with one user commenting, "She left us with such beautiful music." Zahara, who has recorded five albums, has received various local and international acclaim during her career.



Aside from her musical accomplishments, she used her platform to highlight the problem of violence against women in South Africa, reflecting on her personal experience.


Zahara's departure leaves an enduring imprint on the music industry, as fans and fellow musicians reflect on her influential path.