The South African arts minister and the singer’s record business confirmed her passing on Tuesday, sparking a flurry of tributes.
Born Bulelwa Mkutukana from a humble family in the East London suburbs, Zahara rose to fame as a guitarist and became known for her deep voice, which was sometimes compared to those of Tracy Chapman and India Arie.
Her breakthrough came in 2011 when her first album, “Loliwe,” sold out in less than 72 hours, achieving incredible success.
Zahara’s prominence as a musical force was cemented in 2012 when she performed among performers such as Hugh Masekela and Lauryn Hill at Africa’s premier jazz festival.
Throughout her career, she put out five albums and won 17 South African Music Awards, the top accolade in the nation for musicians.
Beyond just her music, Zahara had a lasting impression on people. In 2012, she sang for anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela at his home, a recollection she called memorable and heartbreaking.
She continued to be involved in the problems of the underprivileged despite her success, receiving recognition from a variety of sources, including the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party.
Zahara was hospitalized last month for bodily issues, according to a family release, though the cause of her death is yet unknown. Her management disclosed that she was suffering from liver disease in 2019.
Fans and the music industry are in grief over the loss of a brilliant artist whose influence goes beyond her career in music since learning of Zahara’s passing.