Tributes pour for the late Zahara - 'Thank you Bulelwa for your indelible contribution to music'

She's been described as a storyteller who was incredibly talented and was a sister to all. 

The news of her passing has left South Africans heartbroken. 

Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, died on 11 December 2023 after she was hospitalised recently.

Zahara rose to fame in 2011 following the release of her album, Loliwe, which opened doors for her in the music industry. The songbird touched many lives through her music, with meaning resonating with the message of her songs.

Social media was abuzz after the news broke that the singer has taken her last breath, with condolences pouring in.

Minister of Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa shared the news of Zahara’s passing, saying the singer made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.

“I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” the minister wrote in a social media post.

Tributes continue to pour out for the Ndize singer. The likes of DJ Zinhle, Cici, Somizi, Minnie Dlamini, Pearl Thusi and more industry peers have taken to their social media to express their condolences.

On Instagram, Minnie wrote a heartfelt message, saying she and Zahara had a beautiful bond. “My heart is so sore. Not only was she an incredible talent but she had a heart of gold. I remember her being one of the few people that reached out to me to check if I was ok amidst my drama. We shared a beautiful bond of sisterhood that I will forever cherish. 2023 started with a legendary loss and it’s decided to hit our industry again. Rest in power and thank you Bulelwa for your indelible contribution to music.” 

Political leaders also expressed their condolences, including Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of the Democratic Alliance.

Mmusi says, “Condolences to the family, friends and fans of Bulelwa Mkutukana. Zahara we will miss you. Her storytelling and music told poignant tales of hope, faith in God and struggle. We all could relate with the experiences that she was sharing through song and harmony. We cried with her, we laughed with her and loved with her. May the Lord comfort everyone who is struck by grief at this time. May we honour her legacy by keeping her music in our hearts and ears. South Africa has lost another musical giant too soon and too painfully.”

Love is Blind hitmaker Lady Zamar also shared a few words about Zahara saying she paved the way. “Zahara did a lot for the music industry in South Africa, [she] paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand; she will be missed. I never knew her personally, but her music was loud and brave.” 

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Condolences pour in after news broke that Zahara has passed away.