South Africa has woken up to the news of the passing of multi-award-winning musician Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana. She passed away last night at a private hospital.
Zahara was admitted in hospital because of liver complications nearly two weeks ago. There were also reports of her allegedly being poisoned by a family member right after her lobola was paid off.
Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa broke the news last night.
Tributes are pouring in for the Loliwe hit-maker, with the public saying how her music touched them.
Your music kept me going during some of my darkest days (still does) & I know that many others can relate. Your music was (still is) healing, meaningful, timeless & wholesome. Thank you. Lala ngoxolo ntombi endala. You will be missed but never forgotten. We
— Sam B (Sammy) #BlackLivesMatter (@BeynonSammy) December 12, 2023you.
#RIPZahara pic.twitter.com/NJ5QXuBiou
While South Africa mourns Zahara’s death, criticism is being directed at TS Records co-founders DJ Sbu and TK Nciza, with fans accusing them of ‘exploiting her’.
Zahara’s strained relationship with DJ Sbu dates back several years, originating from her accusations that DJ Sbu and TK Nciza, who served as her record label executives at her former label, TS Records, were exploiting her.
In 2019, Zahara asserted that she did not receive royalties from her debut album “Loliwe,” despite the album’s massive success, selling over 500,000 copies and earning her numerous awards.
Contrary to Zahara’s claims, DJ Sbu took to Twitter in July last year to defend himself, stating, “Ms Zahara’s money has always gone to her.”
In response, Zahara dismissed his statements, labeling him a liar and stating, “I haven’t been getting anything since I left the record label, and I saw recently that my music was uploaded on digital platforms without me knowing. It means they sold my records to somebody, and it means I need to get a cut for it.”
The ongoing feud between DJ Sbu and Zahara continued, with both parties disputing the veracity of the other’s claims. In a 2021 interview with a local media house, DJ Sbu countered Zahara’s accusations, emphasizing that he “built” himself from “nothing” and never sought to benefit unfairly from others.
Zahara revisited her grievances with TS Records during a 2021 interview on the Podcast and Chill with MacG and Sol Phenduka, revealing that the record label owed her millions of rands. She alleged that her booking fee ranged from R80,000 to R120,000, but DJ Sbu and Nciza only provided her with R15,000.
Last year, during Zahara’s financial difficulties when she faced the risk of losing her townhouse in Roodeport, she once again attributed her challenges to DJ Sbu and Nciza.
Her family hasn’t released a statement as yet.
Main image: SAPeople
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