ZAHARA's family remembers her as a pure light!
The family of late star Zahara has spoken out for the first time since her death.
The musician, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died on Monday, 11 December. She was 36 years old when she died after a short illness at hospital.
The musician from East London in the Eastern Cape spent weeks in hospital until her last breath. This was after she had complained of physical pain in November.
The singer's family released a statement about her death on Tuesday 12 December.
"We mourn the death of Zahara. It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Zahara, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Zahara left this world on Monday, 11 December 2023. She was a pure light and an even purer heart in this world," the statement reads.
According to the award-winning musician's family, she was a beacon of hope, a gift and a blessing to them and countless people around the world.
They described her as a legendary figure in the world of music.
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"A life so beautifully lived and deserving to be remembered. May we remember Zahara not with sadness, but with the healing, joy, kindness and inspiration she brought us through her life and her music," the statement reads.
Zahara was initially signed to TS Records and released her acclaimed debut album Lolilwe, which went double platinum.
Over the years, she has released eight projects under her name, with the most recent being an EP entitled Power Of A Woman, released in 2023.
She has also won numerous awards, including 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards and a Nigeria Entertainment Award.
Zahara was on the 2020 list of the BBC's 100 Women.
She appeared as a guest judge on Idols SA season 17 in 2021. She is survived by her parents and five siblings.
