South Africa’s Afro-pop singer Zahara dies after battling liver problem

• Her family confirmed her death in a statement released on her official Instagram page
• According to reports, her situation deteriorated last week after she was said to be unresponsive from every treatment given to her.
• South African minister for sports, arts and culture sends in his condolences

Afro-pop singer, Bulelwa Mkutukana, well known as Zahara, after a courageous battle with a severe liver problem, succumbs to the complications surrounding her illness.

At the age of 36, she passed away on Monday night in a hospital at Johannesburg.

Her family announced her passage on her Instagram profile on Tuesday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bulelwa Mkutukana (@zaharasa)

In reaction to her passing, Zizi Kodwa, the South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, wrote on his official X page:

“I’m very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry.

The government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.”

Famous for her 2011 album “Loliwe,” Zahara was admitted to the hospital in November after experiencing problems with her liver. However, last week, her condition worsened after it was noted that she was not responding to treatment.

Zaharah captivated audiences with her voice, and inspiring performances throughout her career.

Her unique blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary sounds made her a true icon, not only in her homeland but also on a global scale.

Earlier this year, South African singer Costa Titch died on stage during live performance.

Titch, whose name is Costa Tsobanoglou, reportedly collapsed while performing at the Ultra music festival on Saturday.

The news of Titch’s death was confirmed by entertainment commentator Phil Mphela on his Twitter handle just before midnight and was followed by a string of sad reactions from industry colleagues.

No official statement has been made by the singer’s family at the time of filing this report, but condolence messages have been pouring in across social media including from popular Nigerian Disk Jockey (DJ) Imohiosen Patrick, professional known as DJ Neptune.