Her music healed me! Kenyan celeb mourn South African star Zahara
Kenyans have joined South Africans in mourning the passing of the acclaimed Loliwe hitmaker, Bulelwa Mkutukana, affectionately known as Zahara.
The news of her demise on December 11 has cast a shadow over the music industry and fans worldwide.
Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa released a statement on the X platform announcing Zahara’s passing.
According to the statement, the acclaimed artist succumbed to her illness while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday, December 11, just before 9 pm.
Also read: Family feud: South African artiste Zahara fell sick on her wedding month
He remembered Zahara as having made an incredible and lasting impact on South African music.
“I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. The government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” Minister Zizi Kodwa
Zahara, a beloved South African singer and songwriter, gained international recognition for her soulful voice and the chart-topping song ‘Loliwe.’
The celebrated artist had been grappling with liver complications for several weeks before her untimely death.
Zahara took her last breath in the presence of her fiancé at a private hospital in Johannesburg.
Also read: RIP! Loliwe hitmaker Zahara, remembered as the girl next door, passes away
Reports surfaced, indicating that Zahara’s health deteriorated just days after her fiancé completed the lobola (bride price) payment.
Unconfirmed accounts have suggested that family suspicions are swirling around the possibility of poisoning during the lobola (dowry) ceremony, allegedly orchestrated by a jealous relative.
Kenyan celebrities have taken to social media to express their grief:
Kambua: Another day to grieve the loss of a woman I loved but never met. @zaharasa . I’m so saddened by the news of her passing. I never quite heard a voice like hers. Her music has healed me in many ways. The train you sang about (Loliwe) finally came… rest well Zahara. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. You were loved, and such a treasure to Africa.
kalekyemumo: Noooooo this is so so sad. Her music saw me through some real tough times. May the Lord rest her soul in perfect peace.
Anerlisa Muigai: Ohh no. Love her songs.
jidejaydee: Asante kwa muziki na sauti, vitabaki kuwa kumbukumbu ya milele mioyoni na masikioni mwetu. RIP Zahara.
zikkikenyaofficial: This life belongs to God.
babushkakenya: Somebody tell me is A Lie.