Zahara, whose real name was Busisiwe Mkutukana, was a South African singer-songwriter.
She signed a record deal with TS Records, and her debut album, Loliwe, went double platinum.
Her second album, Phendula, produced three more hits. Zahara was a multi-platinum, award-winning singer-songwriter and a self-taught guitarist.
Zahara had a strong presence on social media, with an Instagram account where she shared updates and photos with her fans.
Zahara age
Zahara was born on November 9, 1988, making her 36 years old as of December 2023.
Zahara height and weight
Zahara’s exact height and weight are not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
However, it is mentioned that she had a moderate weight and stood at an average height.
In an interview, Zahara revealed that she had lost weight and slimmed down to a size 32 from a size 38.
Zahara ethnicity and nationality
She was a South African singer and songwriter born in the Phumlani informal settlement outside of East London in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Therefore, her nationality is South African, and her ethnicity is Xhosa, which is one of the major ethnic groups in South Africa.
Zahara parents
Zahara was the sixth of seven children born to Nokhaya and Mlamli Mkutukana.
Unfortunately, her seventh sibling, Mbuyiseli, was tragically murdered in East London in 2014.
Her parents worked hard to provide for their large family
Zahara husband
Zahara was engaged to Mpho Xaba, an engineer, who proposed to her in March 2023.
This was her third engagement, having been previously engaged to Umhlobo Wenene FM radio presenter Amaza and Ian Sibiya.
She met Mpho Xaba through a friend who visited her house during a family braai.
Zahara admitted that she was initially reluctant to accept his proposal as she noticed he was intimidated by her fame, but the couple discussed marriage early in their relationship.
I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music. pic.twitter.com/1a402aQfLs
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) December 11, 2023
Zahara children
Zahara does not have any children.
She was in a relationship and engaged to her partner, but there is no information about her having any children.
Zahara net worth
Zahara’s net worth has been a topic of discussion, with various estimates.
As of June 2023, her net worth was approximately $5 million.
It’s important to note that her financial situation has been the subject of public attention, with reports of financial struggles and legal disputes with her former record label.
Zahara career
Her career began with street performances as a busker in East London, before catching the attention of TK Nciza and being signed to the TS Records label.
In 2011, she released her debut album, Loliwe, which proved to be a massive success.
The first issue of the album sold out in just 72 hours, and within 19 days, it had sold over 100,000 copies, achieving double platinum status in South Africa.
At the 2012 South African Music Awards, Zahara won eight awards, including Album of the Year, Best Female Artist and Newcomer of the Year.
Her second album, Phendula, produced three chart-topping singles, Phendula, Impilo and Stay.
Zahara’s third album, Country Girl, was certified triple platinum.
Following her departure from TS Records, she signed a record deal with Warner Music.
Her fourth album, Mgodi, was her best-selling album to date.
Zahara was a multi-platinum, award-winning singer-songwriter and a self-taught guitarist.
She had a strong presence on social media, with an Instagram account where she shared updates and photos with her fans.
Zahara passed away at the age of 36 after a long battle with liver complications.
Zahara cause of death
Zahara passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 36.
The cause of her death was liver complications, which she had been battling for some time.
She was admitted to the hospital in November 2023 after complaining of physical pains.
Her situation reportedly deteriorated, and she was unresponsive in the days leading up to her death.
Zahara’s family confirmed her passing, and her fianc茅, Mpho Xaba, was reportedly by her bedside when she passed away.
The news of her death was confirmed by various sources, including the SABC and Sunday World.
Zahara’s passing was a great loss to the South African music industry, and she will be remembered for her soulful voice and unique style.
FAQ
Who is Zahara?
Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, was a South African singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and unique style.
How did Zahara start her music career?
Zahara began her career with street performances as a busker in East London before being signed to the TS Records label by TK Nciza.
What was the success of her debut album, “Loliwe”?
Loliwe sold over 100,000 copies within 19 days and achieved double platinum status in South Africa.
How did Zahara’s second album, Phendula, perform?
Phendula produced three chart-topping singles, Phendula, Impilo and Stay.
What record label did Zahara sign with after leaving TS Records?
Zahara signed a record deal with Warner Music after leaving TS Records.
How did her fourth album, Mgodi, perform?
Mgodi was Zahara’s best-selling album to date.
What was the cause of Zahara’s death?
Zahara passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 36 due to liver complications.
Was Zahara married?
Zahara was engaged to Mpho Xaba, an engineer, at the time of her death.
Did Zahara have any children?
Zahara did not have any children at the time of her death.
What was Zahara’s net worth?
There were conflicting reports on Zahara’s net worth, with some sources estimating it at $1 million and others at R15 million.