Funeral of Zahara, Acclaimed Singer and Songwriter, Draws Grief-Stricken Crowd
The Convention Center in East London was filled with mourners today as they gathered to bid farewell to Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana. The talented singer and songwriter, known for her hit song "Loliwe," tragically passed away last week after spending a month in the hospital due to complications with her liver. Zahara's untimely death occurred just months before the release of a project she had dedicated years of hard work to, collaborating closely with her long-term producer and friend, Mojalefa "Mjakes" Thebe.
The East London Convention Centre became the solemn setting for Zahara's final tribute. Vusi Nova, Zahara's best friend, stood before her golden coffin adorned with flowers, devastated by her passing. Vusi had been praying fervently for Zahara's recovery in the weeks leading up to her death. Overwhelmed by grief, he vowed to keep her secrets forever, as she had done for him. "Bulelwa took all my secrets to the grave, and today I promise to take her secrets to the grave," Vusi declared. Recalling a hopeful moment from the Thursday before Zahara's passing, Vusi shared how he had seen her sitting up and smiling, free from the tubes and machines. He expressed his love and concern for her, believing she would soon be discharged from the hospital.
"Bulelwa took all my secrets to the grave and today I promise to take her secrets to the grave." Vusi said. The Thursday before her passing, Vusi said he saw her sitting up and smiling. "She was in a private, room sitting without all those pipes. She had removed them and was smiling. I walked in there as usual," he said at the funeral. "I said to her, don't ever do that again, don't ever scare us like that ever again." We sat there and we spoke as normal. I said, "Bulelwa, from now on, I am going to guard you and make sure you eat well." When I left that day I kissed her on the forehead and I said 'I love you' and she said 'I love you'. I left that hospital believing that when I arrived the next day they would be telling us to pack her clothes and discharge her. The very same night I found out she got worse and that was so devastating." Vusi said. But alas, weeks later after having visited her every day, she passed. However, fate dealt a cruel blow, and Zahara's condition worsened that very night, leading to her devastating demise. Vusi, who had visited her every day, was left heartbroken by the loss.
Zahara's sisters, Lumka and Bandezwa, expressed deep anguish on behalf of their family. They struggled to find words to describe their pain, emphasizing their disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. Zahara had been a problem solver and caring presence in their lives, reaching out to them every day, even during her international travels. Bandezwa lamented the unbearable reality that they would never see or speak to Zahara again. Lumka fondly recalled teaching her sister music when they were younger, cherishing the memory of Zahara's deep voice.
TK Nciza, the individual who discovered Zahara's remarkable talent, reflected on how he recognized her potential within just 30 seconds of hearing her perform on prominent stages. Impressed by her gift, he immediately contacted his ex-wife, Nhlanhla Mafu, sharing his discovery of a gifted young woman from Phumlani. Nhlanhla saw the same extraordinary talent and, along with TK, took Zahara under their wing, providing her a home for two years. Their goal was to nurture her strength, and in 2011, they began recording her music. TK sought the blessings of Zahara's family, recognizing her as a special singer and a healer.
In the days leading up to the funeral, Zahara's sisters expressed their disappointment regarding the title of "husband" given to Mpho Xaba, Zahara's fiancé, during her memorial service. Lumka clarified that Zahara was not married and did not have children, refuting claims made by Mpho about Zahara's personal life. Lumka and Bandezwa made it clear that they did not acknowledge Mpho as Zahara's husband.
Zahara's father, whose health has been fragile, did not attend the memorial service. The family wanted to spare him further trauma and stress. Lumka acknowledged their father's pain and emphasized that Zahara's passing was irreversible.
