'Her music has healed me in many ways' Kambua mourns SA singer Zahara

12 December 2023

• She has died aged 36.

• Rose to fame for the song 'Loliwe'

Netizens have continued to mourn the death of South African singer Zahara.

Among those is Kenyan gospel singer Kambua.

Kambua took to her socials to mourn the singer stating

"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 🤍🕊️"

Below are more condolence messages from Zahara's fans

@PrinceNdamase: 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 in many ways. #RIPZahara

@callherthato: What a loss for the South African music industry

You will forever be embedded in our hearts …you had us all singing your songs, and we will never forget you …

I was looking forward to finally meeting you on the 23rd. Robala Ousi waka , robala ka kgotso

@BeynonSammy: Your music kept me going during some of my darkest days (and still does) & I know that many others can relate. Your music was (still is) healing, meaningful, timeless & wholesome. Thank you. Lala ngoxolo ntombi endala. You will be missed but never forgotten. We love you. #RIPZahara

@redinkmediastor: "Zahara's music crafted narratives that touched souls, her legacy immortalized in every tune. In her memory, we dedicate this piece - where art meets melody. Let her songs continue to inspire joy and make the world happy, one heartfelt note after another. #RIPZahara || RIP Queen

The sudden demise of award-winning singer Bulelwa Mkutukana alias Zahara has shocked many.

A statement issued by Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa details that Zahara passed way while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday night just before 9 pm.

The minister said he was very saddened by the passing of the singer and expressed his deepest condolences to her family and the South African music industry.

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's family stated on her social media pages two weeks ago, in response to media rumors that she had fallen ill.

According to the statement, the 35-year-old singer was admitted to the hospital with "physical pains" and doctors were treating her.

However, she died on Monday at the same private hospital but the cause of her death is yet to be revealed.