Zahara’s Corpse Transported to the Eastern Cape
Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkuthukana was a well-known and award-winning South African singer. On Saturday, his body is being returned to his home in the Eastern Cape.
At noon, her remains are anticipated to land at East London’s King Phalo Airport.
The Loliwe hitmaker will be laid to rest in Phumlani on December 23.
Here’s A little About Zahara You Might Have Not Know
Bulelwa Mkutukana, professionally known as Zahara, is a South African singer and songwriter. Zahara is credited with having had a strong passion for music from a young age, starting as a street performer.
She has released her fourth successful studio album.
Her debut album “Loliwe”, released in 2011 went platinum in just 13 days and double platinum in 17 days, selling over 100,000 copies in South Africa. It earned her eight wins, including “Album of the Year” and “Best Female Artist” at the South African Music Awards in April 2012.
In addition, her albums have earned “Album of the Year” and “Best Female Artist” nominations. She has also received a Best Produced Album award for her “Country Girl” album.
Born, Bulelwa Mkutukana, in the Phumlani informal settlement outside of East London in Eastern Cape, South Africa, Zahara (meaning Blooming Flower) lived with her parents, Nokhaya and Mlamli Mkutukana. She is the sixth of seven children.
Also read: Everything You Might Not Know About Mpho Xaba, Zahara’s Fiancé
Zahara began showing a love for music at the age of 6. At a young age, she was appointed the lead singer of a local Sunday school choir in Phumlani.
Zahara started as a street performer on the streets of East London. She was spotted by TK Nciza of TS Records, who signed her to his label. This began her journey in the music industry. Her music has been described as a mixture of various musical styles popularised by Tracy Chapman and India Arie.
In July 2014, Zahara’s younger brother was brutally murdered in East London. She revealed his death drove her into a period of depression.
Zahara has not said a lot about her educational background. Instead, she has only focused on stories about her music journey and has a startup.
Zahara’s debut album “Loliwe” was released in 2011 and became an instant success. The first issue of the album sold out in 72 hours. The album reached platinum status in 13 days and double platinum status in 19. After Brenda Fassie, she became the second musician who was also a Xhosa native to achieve this.
Her first Live DVD, which features X Factor USA contestant, LeRoy Bell, reached platinum status in one day. In May 2012, she won 8 SAMA awards, including “Best Female Artist” and “Album of the Year”.
Her second album, “Phendula”, won three SAMAs for “Best Selling Album”, “Best R&B, Soul and Reggae Album”, and “Best Female Artist”. The same year, she performed a private bedside concert at Mandela’s home. She composed and released the “Nelson Mandela EP” in his honour.
After her brother’s murder, she released the “Country Girl” album in 2015.
In 2017, she signed with Warner Music South Africa and released her fourth studio album, “Mgodi”. The album went Gold in just 6 hours.
Zahara, the acclaimed South African singer-songwriter, was a multi-award-winning artist whose contributions to the music industry were recognized through numerous accolades, particularly at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Her soulful voice and poignant ballads earned her a special place in the hearts of music lovers, both in South Africa and globally.
Zahara was previously in a relationship with Ian Sibiya. The couple celebrated their second anniversary in 2019 but ended up breaking up. The rumour was that Ian was worried about his personal life being publicized on social media.
Zahara later began a new romance with a pastor. She revealed that she wants to be in a relationship with a God-fearing man saying she derives her ambition from her parents who are Christian. She has hinted on getting married to him saying “might get married soon” or “before the end of the year”.
Zahara, the beloved South African singer-songwriter, was engaged to Mpho Xaba before her untimely passing. Mpho Xaba, a figure less known to the public eye compared to his famous fiancée, was reportedly by Zahara’s side during her final moments. The couple’s relationship, while private, was a significant part of Zahara’s life outside of her illustrious music career.
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