The upcoming birthday of the late, multi-award-winning South African artist Zahara has ignited a heated divide between her family and close friends.
Bulelwa Mkutukana, famously known by her stage name Zahara, tragically passed away on December 11, 2023, after spending weeks in the hospital battling liver disease.
Zahara’s first “heavenly birthday” is set to be celebrated on November 9. However, instead of uniting for a memorial, tensions have surfaced.
According to Zimoja, Zahara’s friends are eager to honour her life and legacy in Johannesburg, where she spent much of her career, on what would have been her 37th birthday.
Meanwhile, her family plans a separate commemoration in East London, her hometown.
The publication said that Zahara’s mother, Nokhaya Mkutukana, expressed her disappointment: “If her friends really cared for her, they would join the family’s celebration.”
On the other hand, the “Zahara Army,” a devoted group of her closest friends and fans, argue that Zahara should be celebrated in Johannesburg, where previous birthdays were marked, Zimoja reported.
They also noted that many in Johannesburg lack the financial means to travel to the Eastern Cape.
Zahara, known for her soulful voice, was not just a singer but also a songwriter and guitarist.
She began her journey by busking in East London, and her breakthrough came with her debut album Loliwe in 2011, which sold out within 72 hours.
Her career skyrocketed as she won multiple awards and performed for notable figures, including former President Nelson Mandela.
Zahara also made headlines for her struggles, including facing serious financial difficulties in 2022.
She narrowly avoided having her home auctioned after being given a six-day grace period to pay off her R1.9 million mortgage, as reported by TshisaLIVE.
The ongoing debate surrounding how to commemorate her first birthday since her passing underscores Zahara’s enduring influence on her community and the South African music industry.
Words: Fame Frenzy
