Zahara’s tragic and untimely passing has seen her fans rally together against DJ Sbu, her music mentor and former record label boss, whom she had a strained relationship with.

Some have even called on the public to boycott the Mofaya creator, who has long been accused of exploiting the late star.

 

 

 

 

On Monday, 11 December, Zahara died after a long battle with liver complications. She was only 35 years old.

According to Sunday World, Zahara died on Monday evening at a private Johannesburg hospital. She was surrounded by her close family and fiancé Mpho Xaba.

The SAMA-winning artist had a long struggle with her health. In 2019, she was diagnosed with liver failure and spent a month in hospital. In a 2020 interview on the TV show Dinner With Somizi, the star admitted to previously abusing alcohol.

DJ Sbu told Massiv Metro in an interview in 2021: “We made history together – and I miss you, Bulelwa, I miss you – but what I don’t like is she goes out and says I owe her money because you know that’s a lie … If you go down to the books at Universal Music, she actually owes us money and she doesn’t know that”.

He added: “Zahara is getting a 50% royalty rate, and the record label is getting paid 50%, and it usually doesn’t work like that”.

On X, many took aim at DJ Sbu. Others called on the public to boycott the businessman.

@BraHlonisky: “May her soul haunt you, DJ Sbu”

@RaceblackAfrica: “As South Africa’s patriots, we must boycott Mofaya in honour of Zahara. Dj Sbu, you are heartless.”

@Owenslick: “I believe Dj Sbu took 80% of her earnings thinking she’s not gonna find out in the name of “I got you a career.” Boycott him and his business!”

She said: “I had to deal with what led me to drink because the problem was not the alcohol. The problem was what led me to drink.”

ZAHARA: LAST PERFORMANCE
Content creator @afiba_m, who was close friends with Zahara shared a video of her last performance on stage and revealed that the singer was not well.

 

 

 

 

“I had an opportunity to witness your last performance and it was so different, so emotional and so heavy. I cried my heart out, you told me you were not feeling too well and we rushed to the hotel. We cancelled the plans of the rest of the evening because you wanted to take a nap. I will always love you”, he tweeted.

Sources close to the Loliwe hitmaker revealed to Zimoja on Tuesday, 12 December that she was admitted with liver complications after complaining of stomach pains.

It is reported she was admitted when her stomach pains persisted, she spent about two weeks in the medical ward before she was transferred to the ICU where doctors discovered her liver was damaged.

The singer reportedly slipped into a coma after her lungs collapsed and her kidneys were reportedly affected too. She leaves behind her mother, siblings and her husband, Xaba.
SOUTH AFRICANS PAY TRIBUTE TO SINGER
@LadyTebs: “This is heart breaking… She was loved, she was felt and she was EVer present on that stage. She lives on!!!!”@upendo_nzuri: “Oh man. This makes me so sad. Wish life was a lil kinder to you, her man.”

@MboMahocs: “2010/11, I was in P.E, Boardwalk. In a distance, was è sound of a crowd in a frenzy! driven by the most amazing, unique voice I’ve ever heard. I remember wondering “who is that?!” Later to be known as the sensational, songbird.”

@zethembe07: “Oh Zahara ma’am! So much spiritual power in her performances…uphole Afiba

Acclaimed South African Musician Zahara Passes Away While Pregnant with DJ Sbu’s TwinsIn a shocking turn of events, the South African music industry mourns the untimely passing of multi-award-winning AfroPop star, Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkututana. The news, confirmed by reputable sources and spreading rapidly on social media, reveals a heartbreaking detail—Zahara was reportedly pregnant with twins fathered by DJ Sbu.

 

The revelation comes as Dr. Cheryl, a trusted medical professional, confirmed the news, adding a somber layer to the already sorrowful occasion. The circumstances surrounding Zahara’s passing are not only marked by the loss of a musical icon but also by the poignant revelation of an unfulfilled chapter in her life.

Zahara, known for her soul-stirring vocals and captivating stage presence, had carved a prominent place for herself in the South African music landscape. Her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by fans and peers alike.

Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences, acknowledging Zahara’s significant impact on South African music. He reminisced about her contributions, describing her as an artist who had made an indelible mark on the industry.The news of Zahara’s pregnancy with DJ Sbu’s twins adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. DJ Sbu, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, had been previously linked to Zahara in various reports. The confirmation of her pregnancy at the time of her passing has stirred emotions among fans and sparked discussions on social media.

Zahara’s family had previously addressed media reports about her health, revealing that the 35-year-old singer had been admitted to the hospital for physical pains. Despite receiving medical attention, Zahara, unfortunately, succumbed to undisclosed complications at a private hospital on Monday.Zahara rose to prominence with her debut studio album, “Loliwe,” released in 2011, which achieved double platinum status. Subsequent albums, including “Phendula” and “Country Girl,” solidified her reputation as a musical force. The self-taught guitarist garnered 17 SAMusic awards, three Metro FM awards, and a Nigeria Entertainment award during her illustrious career.

As condolences pour in on social media, the news of Zahara’s passing takes on a more poignant note with the revelation of her pregnancy. The circumstances surrounding her death raise questions and have ignited a wave of reflection and mourning within the South African music community and beyond

In an interview featuring Sbusiso Leope, widely known as DJ Sbu, defending his record label and criticizing Zahara’s statements, has resurfaced on social media following the singer’s passing on Monday.DJ Sbu asserted that Zahara was facing liver problems and consuming alcohol, contradicting reports that he misappropriated the late musician’s funds. He claimed that she was undergoing a difficult time and no one was there to support her during her hospitalization.

 

 

 

Zahara had previously accused TS Records executives TK Nciza and Sbu Leope of owing her millions of rands, alleging that she was underpaid for her performances. In a 2019 statement, the multi-award-winning Afro-pop artist claimed financial discrepancies with her former record label.

Sbu Leope, in a reflective interview on The Penuel Show, admitted to past financial mistakes, particularly overspending to maintain a lavish lifestyle during his earlier years in the entertainment industry. He took responsibility for his financial choices, acknowledging the consequences of living the “celebrity lifestyle.”Social media responses to DJ Sbu’s role in Zahara’s career and financial disputes have been mixed. Some users criticize him, calling him a “fraud” and accusing him of detrimental actions against Zahara. Others express sympathy for Zahara, blaming DJ Sbu for allegedly ruining her career and causing her hardships.

Amidst the controversy, some users highlight the need for a resolution between DJ Sbu, TK Nciza, and Zahara, expressing regret that financial disagreements could not have been resolved amicably before her passing. The public discourse on social media reflects a mix of opinions on the complex relationship between Zahara, DJ Sbu, and the record label.

Tributes to the late singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, best known by her stage name Zahara have flooded social media platforms.

ZAHARA DIES
SABC confirms that award-winning musician Zahara passed away on Monday evening, 11 December at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital.

Sources close to the “Loliwe” hitmaker revealed to Zimoja that she was admitted with liver complications after complaining of stomach pains.

She was taken to hospital after celebrating her birthday on the 9th of November, soon after her fiancé, Mpho Xaba paid lobola for her.

It is reported she was admitted when her stomach pains persisted, she spent about two weeks in the medical ward before she was transferred to the ICU where doctors discovered her liver was damaged.

The singer slipped into a coma after her lungs collapsed and her kidneys were reportedly affected too. The multi-award-winning musician is survived by her mother and siblings and her husband, Xaba.

 

 

 

@techbadb_: “I cry everytime I listen to it because I remember what I have overcame. Zahara gave music for the soul yoh.”@AndiswaMadikazi: “I will never forget how her song “Umthwalo” kept me going during a very difficult period in my life. I’m heart broken by her passing.”

@Nethomboniphin2: “Sad sad news. Knew she was hospitalised due to health issues was really hoping she’ll pull through but ey God needed an angel by his side. Thank you for all the beautiful and wonderful music now you rest.”

@CongoMakaota: “Zahara feat Leroy “Hold On” that’s the best duet song of All times. MHSRIP.”

@melvinnasasira: “I stumbled upon the song “Loliwe” during my college days, and it became a long term companion in the quiet moments alone in my room. I didn’t understand the lyrics, but the song grew close to my heart and still remains on my favorites playlist today. It is incredible how music can connect us with people we’ve never met, bring us closer to a country so far away, and spark a longing to visit and experience the culture that shaped the artist. May Zahara’s soul rest in peace. Sending love and condolences from Uganda to her family, friends, and fans, and to all the people of South Africa.”