South African award-winning musician Zahara – real name Bulelwa Mkutukana died on Monday, 11 December – her funeral details have been shared and social media and will be taking place in her hometown, East London.

ZAHARA’S DEATH, MEMORIAL, AND FUNERAL DETAILS ANNOUNCED
Earlier this week, a family statement confirmed Zahara passed “surrounded by family and loved ones.” This comes after a previous statement revealed that she had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in Johannesburg.

“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 beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world,” the statement read.Zahara’s memorial service will be held on Thursday, 14 December at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg. Her funeral will take place on 23 December in the Phumlani Informal Settlement of East London, Eastern Cape.

The award-wining Afro pop star was described as “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,” the family statement read.THE LATE SINGER’S FAMILY SPEAKS OUT
Speaking to the SABC, family spokesperson Nkosiyam Mkutukana was quoted as saying. “We would like her to be remembered as a very humble child, very kind… she put our family where it is now during her life she did what she did to put us in greater heights we would love people to remember her as a hero.”