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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tributes are pouring in for the multi-award-winning </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loliwe</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hitmaker Zahara, who died on Monday night.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zahara – born Bulelwa Mkutukana – died owing to liver complications in a private hospital two weeks after being admitted to intensive care. She was 36. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The talented musician had a significant impact on the music industry, and her music, rendered in a soulful voice with inspiring lyrics, touched the hearts of many.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her debut album’s</span><a href=\"https://scrolla.africa/zahara-now-sings-for-the-village-in-the-sky/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first issue sold out in 72 hours</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and continued to reach platinum status in just 13 days, as well as double platinum in 17 days. Zahara’s music was compared to that of the late Brenda Fassie</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Zahara reminds me a lot of Brenda Fassie! I love her energy in this video. Her voice was really something special! Rest well, Zahara??</p>\r\n<a href=\"https://t.co/KP9gNIJGbP\">pic.twitter.com/KP9gNIJGbP</a>\r\n\r\n— King Melvin (@melvinnasasira) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/melvinnasasira/status/1734431897411866707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sports and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa confirmed the singer’s death in a tribute post on X:</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">I am very saddened by the passing of <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ZaharaSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@ZaharaSA</a>. 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. <a href=\"https://t.co/1a402aQfLs\">pic.twitter.com/1a402aQfLs</a></p>\r\n— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/zizikodwa/status/1734324470871896339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976743\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_424100.jpg\" alt=\"Zahara\" width=\"720\" height=\"1082\" /> <em>Zahara at the 2nd annual Fashion Industry Awards South Africa at The Firs in Rosebank in November 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976737\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/0000234749.jpg\" alt=\"Zahara\" width=\"720\" height=\"1018\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the announcement of the nominees for the 15th Metro FM Music Awards on January 15, 2016 at The Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. The radio station announced that this year’s award winners will walk away with R100 000 each, an initiative introduced to help change the lives of South African artists. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Jan Right)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her family said: “It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Zahara. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Zahara departed this world on Monday 11 December 2023. 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.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“May she rest in eternal peace, and may her melodies continue to echo in our hearts forever.”</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">We Mourn the Passing of Zahara <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> ? <a href=\"https://t.co/kSY1mQsL4i\">pic.twitter.com/kSY1mQsL4i</a></p>\r\n— ZAHARA (@ZaharaSA) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ZaharaSA/status/1734520263025250785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n<h4><b>Zahara’s journey and legacy</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zahara’s </span><a href=\"https://seeafricatoday.com/culture/south-african-musician-zahara/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">journey in the music industry</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was filled with accolades and milestones. She was a self-taught guitarist and singer. </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her love for music started at the tender age of six. In primary school she was appointed lead singer of a Sunday school choir in Phumlani, East London.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She was spotted by TK Nciza while performing in the dusty streets of East London in the Eastern Cape and signed her to his stable, TS Records, which he co-owned with Dj Sbu. Nciza is now the ANC’s Gauteng </span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-01-tk-nciza-on-why-becoming-anc-gauteng-boss-chimes-with-musical-past/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">secretary</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976733\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_0031007.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the PSL Awards at Sandton Convention Centre on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976732\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_433098.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"477\" /> <em>Zahara during PSL Awards on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her debut album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loliwe, </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">released in 2011, went platinum in just 13 days and double platinum in 17 days, selling more than 100,000 copies. It earned eight awards, including Album of the Year and Best Female Artist at the South African Music Awards (Sama) in 2012. Her albums have also earned Album of the Year and Best Female Artist nominations, and she received a Best Produced Album award for </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Country Girl</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In 2021, her album </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nqaba Yam</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> peaked at No 1 on iTunes.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She performed that track in 2013 for Nelson Mandela, and composed a well-received tribute </span><a href=\"https://www.news24.com/news24/zahara-releases-touching-tribute-to-mandela-20150430\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">song</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to him following his death. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her first live DVD, which features </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X Factor USA</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contestant LeRoy Bell, reached platinum status in one day.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2013, she released another album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phendula,</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which enjoyed the same success as her previous album, as she received 17 Sama awards and a Nigeria Entertainment award, and earned a place on the BBC’s list of top 100 women.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976736\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_281096.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> <em>Zahara and Robbie Malinga during Metro FM Music Awards launch on 14 January 2016 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976735\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AV_00044983.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1080\" /> <em>Zahara perfroms at the ANN7 South African of the Year Awards on 6 September 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Vathiswa Ruselo)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1976734\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/0000211440.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the Delicious International Food and Music Festival at Emmerentia Dam on 31 May 2014. (Photo: Gallo Images / City Press / Lucky Nxumalo)</em></p>\r\n<h4><b>Outpouring of love</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musicians, politicians, political parties and others have paid tribute to Zahara on social media.</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">I really think the department can do better for artists while they are alive. Rest in peace Zahara. Your music touched all of us, all over Africa. Lala ngoxolo ntombazane. <a href=\"https://t.co/qoV2fQraFh\">https://t.co/qoV2fQraFh</a></p>\r\n— Thandiswa Mazwai (@thandiswamazwai) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thandiswamazwai/status/1734456487685050830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">zahara did a lot for the music industry in south africa…paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand??she will be missed. i never knew her personally but her music was loud and brave <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/ripzahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ripzahara</a> praying for her family ?????? she was loved ❤️ <a href=\"https://t.co/RMtD4C6X9d\">pic.twitter.com/RMtD4C6X9d</a></p>\r\n— Lady Zamar (@Lady_Zamar) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Lady_Zamar/status/1734358033738666381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Podcast with MacG shared: </span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Rest in Power</p>\r\n‘The girl next door’ you’ve indeed inspired us with your amazing music ??️<a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Zahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/wwKzIVNjC2\">pic.twitter.com/wwKzIVNjC2</a>\r\n\r\n— Podcast with MacG (@podcastwithmacg) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/podcastwithmacg/status/1734514094659588269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political parties across the spectrum posted condolences. </span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In memory of the award-winning and talented singer and songwriter Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, whose music inspired many. The IFP extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and supporters. ?️ <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/XfJbQS30cO\">pic.twitter.com/XfJbQS30cO</a></p>\r\n— #RegisterToVoteIFP (@IFP_National) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/IFP_National/status/1734448667178758288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EFF wrote: “The Economic Freedom Fighters [are] deeply saddened by the passing of award-winning songstress Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known by her stage name Zahara, who passed away last night after prolonged illness and hospitalisation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Zahara must be remembered as a pioneer in the music industry, who broke through in an industry that often discards women and destroys the lives of those who enter it.”</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The IFP posted:</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In memory of the award-winning and talented singer and songwriter Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, whose music inspired many. The IFP extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and supporters. ?️ <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/XfJbQS30cO\">pic.twitter.com/XfJbQS30cO</a></p>\r\n— #RegisterToVoteIFP (@IFP_National) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/IFP_National/status/1734448667178758288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade Union federation Cosatu posted:</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/COSATU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#COSATU</a> conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of Afro pop singer and Award winning songwriter Bulelwa <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Zahara</a> Mkutukana, her relatives, colleagues in the creative arts fraternity& millions of global citizens. May her soul rest in peace <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/HambaKahleZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#HambaKahleZahara</a> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/MorningLiveSABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MorningLiveSABC</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/y22ZNFnJbL\">pic.twitter.com/y22ZNFnJbL</a></p>\r\n— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/_cosatu/status/1734388885470236900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<b>DM</b>",
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"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tributes are pouring in for the multi-award-winning </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loliwe</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hitmaker Zahara, who died on Monday night.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zahara – born Bulelwa Mkutukana – died owing to liver complications in a private hospital two weeks after being admitted to intensive care. She was 36. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The talented musician had a significant impact on the music industry, and her music, rendered in a soulful voice with inspiring lyrics, touched the hearts of many.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her debut album’s</span><a href=\"https://scrolla.africa/zahara-now-sings-for-the-village-in-the-sky/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first issue sold out in 72 hours</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and continued to reach platinum status in just 13 days, as well as double platinum in 17 days. Zahara’s music was compared to that of the late Brenda Fassie</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Zahara reminds me a lot of Brenda Fassie! I love her energy in this video. Her voice was really something special! Rest well, Zahara??</p>\r\n<a href=\"https://t.co/KP9gNIJGbP\">pic.twitter.com/KP9gNIJGbP</a>\r\n\r\n— King Melvin (@melvinnasasira) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/melvinnasasira/status/1734431897411866707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sports and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa confirmed the singer’s death in a tribute post on X:</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">I am very saddened by the passing of <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ZaharaSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@ZaharaSA</a>. 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. <a href=\"https://t.co/1a402aQfLs\">pic.twitter.com/1a402aQfLs</a></p>\r\n— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/zizikodwa/status/1734324470871896339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976743\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976743\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_424100.jpg\" alt=\"Zahara\" width=\"720\" height=\"1082\" /> <em>Zahara at the 2nd annual Fashion Industry Awards South Africa at The Firs in Rosebank in November 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976737\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976737\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/0000234749.jpg\" alt=\"Zahara\" width=\"720\" height=\"1018\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the announcement of the nominees for the 15th Metro FM Music Awards on January 15, 2016 at The Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. The radio station announced that this year’s award winners will walk away with R100 000 each, an initiative introduced to help change the lives of South African artists. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Jan Right)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her family said: “It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Zahara. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Zahara departed this world on Monday 11 December 2023. 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.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“May she rest in eternal peace, and may her melodies continue to echo in our hearts forever.”</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">We Mourn the Passing of Zahara <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> ? <a href=\"https://t.co/kSY1mQsL4i\">pic.twitter.com/kSY1mQsL4i</a></p>\r\n— ZAHARA (@ZaharaSA) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ZaharaSA/status/1734520263025250785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n<h4><b>Zahara’s journey and legacy</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zahara’s </span><a href=\"https://seeafricatoday.com/culture/south-african-musician-zahara/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">journey in the music industry</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was filled with accolades and milestones. She was a self-taught guitarist and singer. </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her love for music started at the tender age of six. In primary school she was appointed lead singer of a Sunday school choir in Phumlani, East London.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She was spotted by TK Nciza while performing in the dusty streets of East London in the Eastern Cape and signed her to his stable, TS Records, which he co-owned with Dj Sbu. Nciza is now the ANC’s Gauteng </span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-01-tk-nciza-on-why-becoming-anc-gauteng-boss-chimes-with-musical-past/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">secretary</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976733\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976733\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_0031007.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the PSL Awards at Sandton Convention Centre on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976732\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976732\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_433098.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"477\" /> <em>Zahara during PSL Awards on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her debut album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loliwe, </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">released in 2011, went platinum in just 13 days and double platinum in 17 days, selling more than 100,000 copies. It earned eight awards, including Album of the Year and Best Female Artist at the South African Music Awards (Sama) in 2012. Her albums have also earned Album of the Year and Best Female Artist nominations, and she received a Best Produced Album award for </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Country Girl</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In 2021, her album </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nqaba Yam</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> peaked at No 1 on iTunes.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She performed that track in 2013 for Nelson Mandela, and composed a well-received tribute </span><a href=\"https://www.news24.com/news24/zahara-releases-touching-tribute-to-mandela-20150430\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">song</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to him following his death. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her first live DVD, which features </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X Factor USA</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contestant LeRoy Bell, reached platinum status in one day.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2013, she released another album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phendula,</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which enjoyed the same success as her previous album, as she received 17 Sama awards and a Nigeria Entertainment award, and earned a place on the BBC’s list of top 100 women.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976736\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976736\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ED_281096.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> <em>Zahara and Robbie Malinga during Metro FM Music Awards launch on 14 January 2016 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976735\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976735\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AV_00044983.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1080\" /> <em>Zahara perfroms at the ANN7 South African of the Year Awards on 6 September 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Vathiswa Ruselo)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1976734\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1976734\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/0000211440.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Zahara performs during the Delicious International Food and Music Festival at Emmerentia Dam on 31 May 2014. (Photo: Gallo Images / City Press / Lucky Nxumalo)</em>[/caption]\r\n<h4><b>Outpouring of love</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musicians, politicians, political parties and others have paid tribute to Zahara on social media.</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">I really think the department can do better for artists while they are alive. Rest in peace Zahara. Your music touched all of us, all over Africa. Lala ngoxolo ntombazane. <a href=\"https://t.co/qoV2fQraFh\">https://t.co/qoV2fQraFh</a></p>\r\n— Thandiswa Mazwai (@thandiswamazwai) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thandiswamazwai/status/1734456487685050830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">zahara did a lot for the music industry in south africa…paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand??she will be missed. i never knew her personally but her music was loud and brave <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/ripzahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ripzahara</a> praying for her family ?????? she was loved ❤️ <a href=\"https://t.co/RMtD4C6X9d\">pic.twitter.com/RMtD4C6X9d</a></p>\r\n— Lady Zamar (@Lady_Zamar) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Lady_Zamar/status/1734358033738666381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Podcast with MacG shared: </span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Rest in Power</p>\r\n‘The girl next door’ you’ve indeed inspired us with your amazing music ??️<a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Zahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/wwKzIVNjC2\">pic.twitter.com/wwKzIVNjC2</a>\r\n\r\n— Podcast with MacG (@podcastwithmacg) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/podcastwithmacg/status/1734514094659588269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political parties across the spectrum posted condolences. </span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In memory of the award-winning and talented singer and songwriter Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, whose music inspired many. The IFP extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and supporters. ?️ <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/XfJbQS30cO\">pic.twitter.com/XfJbQS30cO</a></p>\r\n— #RegisterToVoteIFP (@IFP_National) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/IFP_National/status/1734448667178758288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EFF wrote: “The Economic Freedom Fighters [are] deeply saddened by the passing of award-winning songstress Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known by her stage name Zahara, who passed away last night after prolonged illness and hospitalisation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Zahara must be remembered as a pioneer in the music industry, who broke through in an industry that often discards women and destroys the lives of those who enter it.”</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The IFP posted:</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In memory of the award-winning and talented singer and songwriter Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, whose music inspired many. The IFP extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and supporters. ?️ <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RIPZahara</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/XfJbQS30cO\">pic.twitter.com/XfJbQS30cO</a></p>\r\n— #RegisterToVoteIFP (@IFP_National) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/IFP_National/status/1734448667178758288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade Union federation Cosatu posted:</span>\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/COSATU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#COSATU</a> conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of Afro pop singer and Award winning songwriter Bulelwa <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Zahara</a> Mkutukana, her relatives, colleagues in the creative arts fraternity& millions of global citizens. May her soul rest in peace <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/HambaKahleZahara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#HambaKahleZahara</a> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/MorningLiveSABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MorningLiveSABC</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/y22ZNFnJbL\">pic.twitter.com/y22ZNFnJbL</a></p>\r\n— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/_cosatu/status/1734388885470236900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>\r\n<b>DM</b>",
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Zahara at the 2nd annual Fashion Industry Awards South Africa at The Firs in Rosebank in November 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)
Zahara performs during the announcement of the nominees for the 15th Metro FM Music Awards on January 15, 2016 at The Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. The radio station announced that this year’s award winners will walk away with R100 000 each, an initiative introduced to help change the lives of South African artists. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Jan Right)
Zahara performs during the PSL Awards at Sandton Convention Centre on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
Zahara during PSL Awards on 18 May 2014 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)
Zahara and Robbie Malinga during Metro FM Music Awards launch on 14 January 2016 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)
Zahara perfroms at the ANN7 South African of the Year Awards on 6 September 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Vathiswa Ruselo)
Zahara performs during the Delicious International Food and Music Festival at Emmerentia Dam on 31 May 2014. (Photo: Gallo Images / City Press / Lucky Nxumalo)