South African singer-songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known by her stage name Zahara, passed away on Monday night at the age of 36, according to the African country's Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
"I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. 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," Kodwa said in a statement on X.
The multi-award-winning musician was said to have died of liver complications after being hospitalized for a week in Johannesburg.
Zahara Mkutukana, celebrated for her commanding voice and musical passion, sang in both her native Xhosa and English. Her death is a great loss to the South African and pan-African music industry and her fans.
Following the news of her passing, numerous global celebrities expressed their sorrow on social media, extending condolences to the grieving Mkutukana family, who have requested prayers and privacy during this difficult time.
"RIP Zahara… one of South Africa’s most prolific singer-songwriters has died at 36 from liver complications. I have known Zahara since 2011, when she first released 'Loliwe' (those are the photos I took from the SAMAs in 2011) and have followed her journey through her 17 South African Music Awards and worldwide acclaim. Rest well with the angels, you will be missed so much," wrote American South African radio and television personality, Jennifer Su.
Zimbabwean filmmaker and international journalist Hopewell Chin'ono wrote, "I am saddened to hear that South African music superstar Zahara has died. She touched so many hearts with her beautiful music and sang about issues that we all could relate to. Condolences to her family and friends. May her souls Rest in Peace."
Devastated fans of Zahara have also shared their shock and sadness over her death on social media, expressing condolences, reminiscing about shared memories, and acknowledging their appreciation for Zahara's musical legacy.
"Fare thee well Masithathu. You truly made an indelible mark in our music and national life. You’ve left a remarkable musical legacy behind. You did the unthinkable and unimagined in many ways. #RIPZahara," wrote a fan.