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.