Afro-pop singer Zahara dies at 36 in South Africa

Her manager revealed in 2019 that she suffered from liver disease.

South African Afro-pop singer Zahara died at the age of 36 on the night of Monday to Tuesday, the government and her record company announced.

Singing in English and in her native Xhosa, one of South Africa’s official languages, Zahara was often compared, for her style and voice, to American artist Tracy Chapman.

“An incredible and lasting impact on South African music”

The singer, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died in a hospital in Johannesburg. She had released five albums and won 17 South African Music Awards.

“I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara”South African Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said late Monday on the X platform.

“Zahara and her guitar have had an incredible and lasting impact on South African music”, he added. His record company, Warner Music Africa, also said it was “in mourning”.

Liver disease

The singer was hospitalized last month “as a result of pain”, according to the family. She had publicly spoken about her battle with her alcohol addiction, and her manager revealed in 2019 that she suffered from liver disease.

Originally from a village near East London (south-east) and from a modest background, Zahara had enjoyed success from her first album Loliwe in 2011, exploding sales in record time.

She had started singing in choirs and learned to play the guitar on her own. Her voice and style were often compared to those of American singers Tracy Chapman and India Arie, and British singer Joan Armatrading.

She was notably invited alongside Hugh Masekela, James Ingram and Lauryn Hill to the largest jazz festival in Africa in Cape Town in 2012.