The Recording Industry of South Africa notes with profound sadness the passing away of multiple SAMA winner Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana after a long illness. She was 36.
Zahara was a talented musician who transcended boundaries with her soaring voice of hope and resilience and dexterity on the guitar. Since the release of her debut album, Loliwe in 2011, she has been a permanent fixture on the entertainment landscape. Her music touched and healed many as she flew the South African flag all over the world.
In 2012 she emerged as the star of SAMA18 when she scooped 8 awards including Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Best Selling Album for Loliwe. She is the only solo act in the history of the SAMA to lay claim to so many trophies in one night. At the time of her death, she had collected 17 SAMAs. She was an accomplished multiplatinum seller with numerous award-winning collaborations.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of the RiSA commented: “On behalf of the Recording Industry of South Africa, our board, members and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Zahara. To say that she was a force to be reckoned with would be an understatement, this devastating loss cannot be quantified. Her music served as comfort, inspiring and entertaining millions of young and old people. As an industry we mourn her passing and acknowledge that she leaves an indelible mark. May her soul rest in peace.”