Kenyans Join South Africa in Mourning Loliwe Hitmaker Zahara

Kenyans have joined South Africans in grieving the death of renowned musical talent Zahara (Bulelwa Mkutukana).

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has confirmed her passing, paying tribute to Zahara's remarkable talent as a passionate singer-songwriter. Her resonant voice and captivating compositions, particularly her big hit 'Loliwe', left a lasting impact on music lovers. Glittering award wins and accolades are a testament to her talent, as is the dearness of fans and peers alike.

Kenya can fondly recall Zahara's song 'Loliwe' -- known to spur popular karaoke sessions at nightclubs across the country! Zahara herself held out to be remembered as an inspirational tour-de-force in touching lives. During one of her interviews, Zahara said she hopes to be recalled as a down-to-earth girl next door who made a significant impact on people's lives. She stressed that she wants to reach out to anyone, regardless of where they come from, in hopes of inspiring and providing hope through her songs.

Regrettably, the gifted artist, aged 36, met her untimely demise at a medical facility in Johannesburg while receiving treatment for liver complications. Zahara had bravely disclosed her struggle with alcohol addiction in 2019. Heartbreakingly, baseless speculations concerning her demise had already made their way across the internet before her actual passing. In response to the dissemination of false details about Zahara's health, her family has issued an official statement and appealed for privacy during this difficult time.

Their statement conveys the following message: "We would like to take this opportunity as a family to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and compassion for our dearest Zahara since the recent media articles about the nature of her health."