Fallen Afropop sensation Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana’s life will be celebrated during a memorial service on Thursday, 14 December.

ZAHARA’S MEMORIAL SERVICE

Her memorial service is set to start on at 11:00 and end at 14:00 at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg.

Thereafter, Zahara’s family will transport her back home to the Eastern Cape where her funeral service and burial will take place at the weekend.

The 36-year-old Loliwe hitmaker died on Monday, 11 December, after allegedly battling liver complications. She was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away at a Johannesburg private hospital.

She leaves behind her two sisters, brother, mother and her fiancé, Mpho Xaba.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Mkutukana family described the Phendula hitmaker as a pure light and a blessing to the world.

“She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift and a blessing to us and countless people around the world.

“A legendary figure in the world of music, Zahara remarkably touched millions of people’s lives with her extraordinary gift and passion for music. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the music industry and a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts and souls.”

Zahara’s age was revealed after fans realised she celebrated her birthday in November.

South Africa woke up to the sad news of Zahara’s death, and there had been a lot of talk.

After the news of her death, many fans have since trolled DJ Sbu, saying he played a part in Zahara’s death.

Despite his silence about the accusations, Nota had defended DJ Sbu with everything he had.

He even vowed to defend DJ Sbu, claiming he would do so even if Sbu did not ask for it.

“We love DJ Sbu… I will defend his honour; he doesn’t need to ask!”

Despite all this talk, many fans mourned Zahara, saying that she lost her life at a young age.

Indeed, many fans only knew that she was not that old, but they did not know her actual.

To make things worse, she had just celebrated her birthday in November 2023.

Sharing on her Instagram, Zahara revealed her age, wishing herself a happy birthday.

“Today I celebrate 36 years of God’s grace, mercy, and kindness 🖤🤍🤎 .” she said.

ALSO READ: ‘I’d say go to hell but you’re in hell!’ – Angry Nota starts a war over Zahara, DJ Sbu saga“To my beautiful family, friends, fans, and the Zahara Army worldwide, ndiyabulela kakhulu for your love. You guys have supported me through the highest heights and lowest of lows 🙏🏾.” she continued.

“To God who called me and keeps me in perfect peace, all glory to Him 🙌🏾 . To many more years 🎂🥳🥂” she finished.

As Zahara revealed her age on her birthday last month in November, many fans wished her well, not knowing what was coming.

Ziyanda Ntshololo “I still love you sis keep on going no matter what you come across always remember umkhumbi ohambayo udibana nezivunguvungu you in my prayers. For a gold to be money has to pass through fire hope you get what I mean.. happiest birthday my angel many more returns Ndlunkulu”

Nombuh_magebourh “Kodwa Zahara dal love you😍😍 from Durban sayna”

Siyavuya Adoniger Dondolo “@zaharasa Happy birthday 🎈 🎂 🥳 Sthandwa Sam. Blessing upon blessings to you”

Sthala Jilanjo “But yet you still look 20years🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️I love you so much”

Da-semmy “My beautiful wife to be happiness bilated birthday to you❤️”

Melissa Vanessa Dube “Rise up Zahara! Ekhaya babheke wena! Rise and shine sisi❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ happy birthday”

Vusi Nova and Zahara had been close friends, and their happy video left many fans in tears.

It’s been a few harrowing hours for many Zahara fans and those close to her after she lost her life.

A few weeks ago, she was celebrating her traditional wedding (Lobola), and she was happy and looked healthy. She also celebrated her birthday a few days after the Lobola negotiations and looked well. Surprisingly, the news broke out that she was admitted, and a few days later, she lost her life.

According to Black Coffee, Zahara had been a soul healer, and her video with Vusi Nova showed it. Sharing on his Instagram, Vusi Nova expressed how much he had already missed the Loliwe hitmaker.
Indeed, Vusi Nova and Zahara were very close, and they had quality friendship time together. They went through a lot together, hot and cold, and the video Vusi shared showed how close they were. They were both sleeping on a bed, and Zahara was sleeping while Vusi Nova took a video.

In tributes posted on social media, many fans of Zahara compared her to the talented Brenda Fassie, who died on 11 May 2004.

One tweep posted: “Zahara’s passing, reminiscent of Brenda Fassie’s, is deeply saddening. May she rest in peace.”

Another tweeted: “Rest in Peace legend. The only artist to have come so close to Brenda Fassie comparison.”

A third added: “Zahara sits on the same table as Brenda Fassie. Icons”

Others compared her to other late great female entertainers like Lebo Mathosa and TK Mhinga, who both died in their prime.

Here are a few similarities between Zahara and Brenda Fassie

Talent in leaps and bounds

Both women were multi-award-winning stars known for their songs that evoked strong emotions amongst their fans.

They both also had that “X factor” that set them apart from the rest.

Unapologetic personalities

Brenda – known as MaBrr or the Black Madonna – was loud, proud, and unapologetic. So was Zahara, whose social media ramblings often made headlines.

Struggles with substancesBrenda was known for her addiction to cocaine and other drugs. According to the BBC, she checked into rehab over 30 times in her life.

In a 2020 interview on the TV show Dinner With Somizi, Zahara admitted to previously abusing alcohol.

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.”

Exploited by record label?

According to public opinion, Brenda Fassie was “exploited” by music producer Chicco Twala as Zahara was reportedly given the short stick by DJ Sbu of the now defunct TS Records.

Celebrated musician Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, is topping trends in the backdrop of her death.

She died on 11 December 2023 at a private Johannesburg hospital with her fiancé, Mpho Xaba, by her bedside.

ALSO READ: ‘She was supposed to walk down the aisle’ – Zahara’s wedding invitation photo trends

UNTIMELY DEATH

The multi-award-winning singer was admitted two days after her traditional wedding reception. Upon admission, she was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of her condition.

Against the news of her admission, her family and management released a joint statement on 27 November confirming the news. The family has also confirmed her untimely death with a press statement shared on her social media accounts.

BIG ZULU’S ZAHARA TRIBUTE LEFT FANS IN TEARS
Against the backdrop of the confirmation, several celebrities, government officials, and fans have flooded social media with their heartfelt condolences.

Big Zulu joins a host of celebrities who have shared their messages of condolences. He captioned his Instagram post, “Aw ezibihlungu azipheli 😔Ay kunzima ulale ngokuthula dadwethu siyabonga kakhulu ngomculo opholisa amanxeba🙏🏿RIPOWER Sis Zahara🙏🏿.”

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Of interest is the fact that Zahara was part of Big Zulu’s supporting acts during his recent tour. The multi-award-winning star had the opportunity to share the stage with the celebrated rapper, and she delivered.

Her angelic voice stole the show as she relived the moments and sang some smash hits, including ‘Loliwe.’ Fans were not quick to flood Big Zulu’s comments with their condolences.

Other celebrities who have shared their messages of condolence include DJ Black Coffee, Nota Baloyi, and Somizi Mhlongo.