The passing of Zahara, a beloved South African music legend at the age of 35

Zahara, the award-winning South African Afro-pop singer, has passed away, according to the country's culture minister. Bulelwa Mkutukana, known as Zahara, had been hospitalized with liver complications, and the government had been providing assistance to her family during this time. Zahara gained fame in 2011 with her album Loliwe, which was loved throughout Africa. In 2019, she publicly discussed her battle with alcohol addiction. Last month, her family confirmed her hospitalization and requested South Africans to keep her in their prayers. Zahara died on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital. Though an official statement from her family is yet to be released, fans have expressed their grief and shared cherished memories on social media. Zahara, known for her guitar skills, made a significant impact on South African music, according to the culture minister. She released five albums, won numerous awards, and was included in the BBC's 100 Women list in 2020. Additionally, Zahara used her platform to raise awareness about violence against women in South Africa, sharing her personal experiences. In an interview last year, she expressed that her music aimed to bring solace to those in need of healing.