Tribute to Loliwe singer Zahara, South African who told stories in song

“We have been robbed of great talent. She was talented, vibrant and a wonderful composer, and to be robbed of that talent at a young age is a real blow to our country.

“She is one of the great products the country has produced in the arts, and I am saddened by her passing,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday. 

Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, had only turned 35 last month. Now she leaves behind melodies of joy and sorrow and a profile of a multiple-award winner.

Yet her music said something else. It told stories that resonated with people’s tales of love, loss, and hope. It also told of journeys of the wretched of the earth carrying their burdens, rising through poverty and emerging victorious on the other end. No wonder her music albums had metaphorical titles: Loliwe (victory), Umthwalo (my baggage) and Ndiza (I am coming). Her voice became the biggest instrument in her ensemble, probably because many Africans identify with her life story.

Born in a humble neighbourhood in Eastern Cape, Zahara's talent shone brightly, elevating her into immediate stardom. 

In 2011, she released her debut album, Loliwe which catapulted her to international fame. The album achieved platinum status in 13 days and double platinum in 17 days. It sold more than 100,000 copies in South Africa alone. 

But Zahara remained grounded, her music reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the ordinary folk, tied eternally to her own upbringing.

Her songs echoed in the hearts of millions, offering solace to the heartbroken and inspiration to the weary. In her music, people found a reflection of their lives, joys and sorrows, dreams and anxieties. Zahara's voice became a soundtrack to the South African experience, weaving a tapestry of hope and resilience amidst the complexities of life.

That also made her an advocate for the voiceless. She spoke out against injustice and inequality, using her platform to champion the causes she held dear.

But music also became her burden, with her naivety in the industry routinely being used to exploit her. She turned to the bottle for solace, which never came.

Last month, she was hospitalised and her family said that she was experiencing liver complications. Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said on Tuesday the government had been assisting her family for some time.

Four years ago, she had opened up about her fight against alcohol addiction.

While signed to TS Records, under TK Nciza's and DJ Sbu's leadership, Zahara released two more albums after Loliwe, nonetheless. Phendula came in 2013, and “Country Girl” followed in 2015. Phendula garnered awards for Best Selling Music Downloads, Female Artist of the Year (Metro FM Music Awards 2014) and Best-Selling Album (SAMAs 2014), while “Country Girl” was recognised as Best Produced Album of the Year at the 2016 SAMAs.

Following her departure from TS Records, Zahara joined Warner Music, releasing her fourth studio album, Mgodi, in 2017.

In 2019, she publicly claimed that her former record label, TS Records, and its owners owed her millions of rands. She alleged she was underpaid for performances, record sales, and royalties related to her hit debut album, Loliwe.

Nciza denied these allegations, stating he could not have misdirected Zahara's royalties because another company handled them. DJ Sbu also refuted the claims, asserting that she fabricated the story and "actually owes us money."

Despite these opposing claims, Zahara's accusations sparked a significant debate about artiste compensation and transparency within the South African music industry. Her saga highlighted the need for more robust legal frameworks and greater awareness of artist rights.

That same year, Zahara faced a difficult Christmas hospitalised with liver disease, a condition reportedly exacerbated by heavy drinking. Her sister, Nomonde, revealed that doctors issued a stark warning: “If she continues drinking, she is going to die."

After a hiatus for recovery, Zahara returned to the music scene in 2021 with her album Nqaba Yam. In an interview with Apple Music about the 12-track album, she encouraged listeners to find their sources of solace and strength.

"I've been through a lot of public negativity in the media and online," she shared with the streaming service. "Everyone experiences depression or mental health struggles, but it's how you channel them that matters. I channel my emotions onto paper."

Zahara faced another challenge last year when she risked losing her Johannesburg home after defaulting on her R17,000 [US$896] monthly mortgage payments. This was reportedly the second time she had opposed the bank's attempt to repossess the property.

Earlier in 2023, Zahara offered fans an intimate look into her life with the debut season of her reality show, “Zahara: As I Rise”. The show revealed private conversations with loved ones and shed light on the headlines surrounding her beyond her musical accomplishments.

Despite the challenges, her personal life also brought joy when she accepted partner Mpho Xaba's proposal in March 2023. She expressed her happiness and excitement publicly, stating, "It was easy for me to say yes to him because the first time I told him I love him, it was the truth."

Though her personal life often generated media attention, sometimes negatively, Zahara remained focused on inspiring others.