Singer Zahara dies aged 35: Afro-pop star who featured in BBC’s 100 Women list had been hospitalised with liver problems following years of alcohol abuse
South African Afro-pop singer Zahara has died at the age of 35 after being admitted to hospital with liver problems following years of alcohol abuse, the country's culture minister announced.
The award-winning singer, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died last night in a hospital in the city of Johannesburg, reports SABC News.
Zahara rose to fame in 2011 with her award-winning album Loliwe and in 2020 she was featured on the BBC's 100 Women list, which highlights the most inspiring and influential women from around the world.
The Afro-pop star, whose powerful ballads earned her multiple platinum-selling albums in South Africa, struggled with liver problems after an alcohol addiction and was hospitalized last month before passing away on Monday.
South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, who announced her death, said the government had been “standing by” Zahara's family for “some time”.
South African Afro-pop singer Zahara (pictured in Cape Town in 2012) has died aged 35 after being hospitalized with liver problems following years of alcohol abuse, the country's culture minister announced.
The award-winning singer, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died last night in a hospital in the city of Johannesburg, SABC News reports
“I am deeply saddened by Zahara's passing,” Kodwa said. “My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry.
'The government has been supporting the family for some time. Zahara and her guitar have had an incredible and lasting impact on South African music.”
Last month, Zahara's manager Oyama Dyosiba confirmed that the singer had been hospitalized “after complaining of physical pain.”
Zahara suffered from liver disease after battling alcohol addiction for years.
Her sister Nomande said in 2019 that doctors told her: 'If Zahara continues to drink, she will die. We make sure there is always someone around her to keep an eye on her, so she doesn't start drinking again.'
Zahara was self-taught in playing the guitar and won album of the year at the South African Music Awards for her debut album Loliwe.
Last month, Zahara's manager Oyama Dyosiba confirmed that the singer (pictured) had been hospitalized 'after complaints of physical pain'
Zahara was self-taught in playing the guitar and won album of the year at the South African Music Awards for her debut album Loliwe
She sang the title track for Nelson Mandela at his home in 2013, before his death.
Zahara also campaigned against violence against women in South Africa, which she described in 2020 as a “pandemic” in the country.
She revealed that she was attacked by a man who pepper-sprayed her in his car.
“Men feel entitled to women, as if women are theirs,” Zahara told the BBC. “Men in South Africa, all they care about is them.”