The Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture has noted with sadness the passing last night of musician, Ms Bulelwa Mkutukana, known by her stage name Zahara.
The committee sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to relatives, friends, and Zahara’s family. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Beauty Dlulane, said it was difficult to accept the news of Zahara’s passing when she had not yet clocked 40, or the proverbial fourth floor, and with so much to offer.
The singer was 36 years old.
“This is sad news for the music industry and is a massive blow for her Afro-pop genre,” says Ms Dlulane.
“Zahara’s music did not matter if you were old or young, black or white, whether you spoke her native isiXhosa or not. It was good music.”
“Zahara could easily have become the Brenda Fassie of her time, but she just chose to be Bulelwa from Phumlani. This is one loss that, as a country, we will not easily recover from. We have lost as a country,” said Ms Dlulane.
Zahara was admitted to hospital last week. At the time of her passing, she had become a multi-platinum seller and a multi-award-winner songwriter and musician. Her status and success at this young age made her a veteran of the industry. She could have, rightfully and quite legitimately, claimed the status of being a legend. We can only say thank you for the legacy she leaves and a lifetime of memories.
“From Zahara’s passing we need to highlight the industry challenges women artists face and sometimes without benefit from their artistic talents. This is a campaign we need to lodge, not only in music but literature, film and all other beats in the arts sector – all things that the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers Protection Bill will resolve,” Ms Dlulane said.