Zahara (South African Musician) - Birth, Early Life, Career Achievements, Albums and Death

Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, was a celebrated South African singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her "Afro-soul" music. She sang in both Xhosa, her native language, and English. Zahara rose to fame after signing a record deal with TS Records, releasing her debut album “Loliwe” in 2011, which quickly went double platinum. Her follow-up album, “Phendula” (2013), produced three hit singles: "Phendula," "Impilo," and "Stay." 

In 2015, Zahara released her third album, “Country Girl”, which was certified triple platinum. After leaving TS Records, she signed with Warner Music, where she released her fourth album, “Mgodi” (2017), which became her best-selling album and earned platinum certification. Her fifth album, “Nqaba Yam” (2021), topped the iTunes charts.

Throughout her career, Zahara earned numerous accolades, including 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award. In 2020, she was recognized on the BBC's list of 100 Women. Additionally, Zahara appeared as a guest judge on the 17th season of “Idols South Africa” in 2021.

Early Life

Bulelwa Mkutukana, known by her stage name Zahara, was born on November 9, 1987, and passed away on December 11, 2023. She grew up in the Phumlani Informal Settlement in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, as the sixth of seven siblings raised by her parents, Nokhaya and Mlamli Mkutukana. Zahara began singing in her school's choir at the age of six and soon became the lead singer. By the time she was nine, her powerful voice earned her a spot in the senior choir. Her stage name, Zahara, translates to "blooming flower" in Arabic. As a child, she was affectionately called "Spinach" because of her love for vegetables.

Career

Zahara's music blends Afro-soul with elements of Xhosa, her native language, and English. Her style has often been compared to that of Tracy Chapman and India Arie. Zahara began her career performing on the streets of East London, which eventually led to her being signed by TK Nciza to TS Records.

Her debut album, “Loliwe”, was released in 2011 and quickly became a massive success. The first batch sold out within 72 hours, and just 19 days later, the album achieved double platinum status in South Africa, selling over 100,000 copies. This achievement made her the second artist to reach such sales figures in such a short time, following Brenda Fassie, another Xhosa singer. In 2012, Zahara released her first live DVD, “The Beginning Live”, which went platinum within a day according to the Recording Industry of South Africa.

At the 2012 South African Music Awards, Zahara won eight awards, including "Best Female Artist" and "Album of the Year." Her second album, “Phendula”, released in 2013, earned her three more South African Music Awards, including Best Selling Album and Best Female Artist of the Year. That same year, Nelson Mandela invited her to perform a private concert at his home, which inspired her to compose and release the song "Nelson Mandela" as a tribute.

In 2014, tragedy struck when Zahara's younger brother was murdered in East London. The loss deeply affected her, leading to a period of depression. However, she found the strength to continue her music career, releasing “Country Girl” in 2015. That year, she won two awards at the Eastern Cape Music Awards for Best Female and Best Artist.

In early 2017, Zahara signed with Warner Music South Africa. Later that year, on October 13, she released her fourth studio album, Mgodi. The album achieved significant success, going gold just six hours after its release. To promote the album, Zahara embarked on the Africa All Star Music Festival, performing at three venues in the United States. The tour started in Toronto, Canada, on August 17, 2019, and wrapped up on August 24, 2019, in Washington, D.C.

Mgodi earned Zahara the Best Female Act award at the 2018 Next Generation Entertainment Awards. After taking a four-year break, Zahara announced her fifth studio album and released its lead single, "Nyamezela," on May 7, 2021. A second single, "Nqaba Yam," followed on July 30, 2021. Although the album was initially set to drop on July 9, 2021, it was delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns and eventually released on August 13, 2021.

In December 2021, Zahara hinted at her first Amapiano single on Twitter. Her debut Amapiano track, "Guqa Ngedolo," was released in November 2023. Additionally, in 2021, she made her television debut as a guest judge on the 17th season of Idols South Africa, appearing alongside Dineo Ranaka.

Death

Zahara passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 36, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Johannesburg. She had been admitted in mid-November due to liver complications that progressively worsened, leading to her becoming unresponsive. Her struggles with liver disease were linked to issues with alcoholism, as revealed by her manager in 2019.

Studio Albums

• Loliwe (2011)
• The Beginning Live (2012)
• Phendula (2013)
• Country Girl (2015)
• Mgodi (2017)
• Nqaba Yam (2021)