Singer Zahara who rose from a rural background in South Africa, delivered her unique version of Afro-soul in the country’s Isixhosa language and in English.

The young songwriter has earned platinum-selling albums for her soulful vocals and mesmerizing ballads. She died at the age of 36 in a hospital in Johannesburg on December 11.

How did She lose her life ?

The news of Zahara’s death came to the public much later. Her family confirmed her death on social media on December 12. They did not specify a cause.

Last month, the family confirmed the musician had been admitted to hospital and called on South Africans to keep her in their prayers.

“She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world,” her family said in Tuesday’s social media statement.

According to the Culture Minister, She had been in hospital, reportedly with liver complications, and the government had been assisting the family “for some time”.

Litha Mpondwana, spokeswoman for South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, said that Zahara had been hospitalized for several weeks.

Zahara: A self taught inspirational artist

Zahara was born as Bulelwa Mkutukana on November 9, 1987, in the village of Phumlani in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She grew up listening to music played on the radio. She became the lead singer in her Sunday school choir at the age of 6.

Zahara started her singing career on the streets of her hometown. She stated in an interview that she had no formal musical training. Zahara taught herself to play the guitar. The singer shot to overnight fame in 2011 with her album Loliwe, which was loved across Africa.

Zahara battled with her alcohol addiction in 2019. The sensational Afra-soul took to her social platform to speak out about violence against South African women.

She also said about her music that the themes of her music are meant to comfort broken souls.

She released five albums and won 17 South African Music Awards, the country’s top awards. Zahara said in an interview in 2012 that she sang songs for South Africa.

Zahara became known as South Africa’s “Country Girl.”The African popstar’s songs were characterized by illusions about Christianity and commented on the dramatic legacy of appetite in South Africa.

South Africans are mourning her loss

The news of her sudden death at such a young age has been deeply mourned by African political leaders and fans alike.

She inspired us with Loliwe,” South African Music Awards spokesperson and former music journalist Lesley Mofokeng told TV channel Newzroom Afrika. “You could not ignore Loliwe. Her voice could reach the heavens.”

Her lasting memory in our hearts and minds must be her ability to bring comfort and resonate with the struggles of the poorest of the poor,” the radical Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party said in a statement.

One user commented in her Instagram post,”Heaven truly gained an angel.”
“Country girl, another bird has gone,” another wrote.