A clip of DJ Sbu‘s 2021 interview defending his record label and lambasting Zahara’s statement is trending on social media after the singer’s death on Monday.

DJ Sbu also revealed that Zahara was having liver problems and drinking alcohol and rubbished reports that he took the late musician’s money.

“She was going through the most, nobody was there for her. She was in hospital; she was having liver problems, and the doctors were saying drinking alcohol.”

Sowetan reported in 2019 that the late multi-award-winning Afro-pop musician claimed she is owed millions of rands by her former record label, TS Records.

The singer made the allegations against TS Records executives TK Nciza and Sbu Leope, claimed that she was underpaid for her performances.

Kaya 959 previously reported that Sbu opened up about how “keeping up with appearances” cost him severely, in an interview on The Penuel Show.“I’ve lived that lifestyle, rolling in Porsches, travelling. I’ve driven all these luxury sports cars, and had that life, throwing parties, going out, and dropping money. You know the celebrity life. Back then I was proud about it, but now looking back I realise that I was dumb. When it comes to finances, I’ve fallen and I’ve got myself to blame, no one else.”

Leope also opened up about the poor financial decisions that caused him to overspend in order to live the “celebrity lifestyle” when he was younger.

Late popular South African singer, Zahara’s age was revealed after fans realized she celebrated her birthday in November.

Mzansi 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.

“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”

Zahara died barely a few weeks after her traditional wedding reception. In November, the multi-award-winning musician reportedly tied the knot with her fiancé Mpho Xaba. Their wedding reception invitation photo is topping trends in the backdrop of her untimely death. The star said ‘Yes’ after being proposed in March. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, she confirmed the news by flaunting her R10 000 customised engagement ring.

However, in November, it was reported that Xaba and Zahara had a traditional wedding reception. No doubt little was known about their reception up until her admission.

According to Sunday World sources, Zahara had two wedding receptions on the cards. The receptions were to be divided into two ceremonies. The source said she would have two wedding receptions, a traditional wedding followed by a white wedding. However, they had their traditional wedding before things turned south. Speaking anonymously, the source revealed they were already preparing for their wedding.

Despite keeping her private life under wraps over the years, Zahara often opened up about her love life. Before Xaba, she had been engaged twice. In 2017, she was engaged to Umhlobo Wenene FM radio presenter Amaza Nstshnga. After five years, the two called it quits. Two years later, she was reportedly engaged to Ian Sibiya. However, their relationship did not last long.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had blows coming in from all angles on social media after he posted his tribute for the award-winning South African Afro-pop star, Zahara – real name Bulelwa Mkutukana who died on Monday, 11 December – social media users came in guns glazing in the comment section, criticising the President’s tribute and demanded him to do more.

Zahara passed away at 36 years earlier this week, just weeks following a family statement that revealed she was admitted to hospital. The beloved musician was hospitalised, reportedly with liver complications, BBC reported. According to the publication, in 2019, she had also opened up about her battle with alcohol addiction.

A family statement posted on social media on Tuesday, 12 December revealed that Zahara died on Monday.

“We Mourn the Passing of Zahara. It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Zahara… She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world… a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world,” the statement read.

Cyril Ramaphosa has since paid tribute to the late star as seen in a short clip posted on his timeliness, however, South Africans have not received his tribute with open arms. Instead, they questioned how genuine his tribute was and demanded him to give her a state funeral.

Zahara’s tragic and untimely passing marks another dark day in the South African entertainment industry. It’s also a reminder of all the beautiful, talented female artists whose lights were prematurely snuffed out.

On Monday, 11 December, it was announced that the singer had 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.

During the interview, she also vowed that she was a “changed person” and “not a prisoner to alcohol.”

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Lebo Mathosa

In 2006, Lebo Mathosa died after sustaining extensive injuries in a car crash on the N3 near East Rand.

The Boom Shaka singer was reportedly thrown out of her Toyota Prado when the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. Lebo – who was 29 years old – was not wearing a seatbelt.

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