Fight over Zahara's unreleased song 'Emva Kwendlu'

The music world is abuzz with news of a dispute over an unreleased song by the late Zahara, featuring rising star Csana.

The song, "Emva Kwendlu," recorded by the two singers in early 2023, has become a point of contention between Zahara's family and management and Csana's team.

Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukwana, tragically passed away in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music and a devoted fanbase plus a caring husband. Csana, whose real name is Nonguquko Mlaza, is a rising star from Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape, and the two singers were close friends.

The song, recorded while the two were chilling back home, was initially intended for a later release.

"At some point, they spoke about releasing the song but when Zahara became sick, the project was abandoned. It was going to be unfair for Csana to release the song while Zahara was lying in her hospital bed," said a source close to the situation.

Csana's management team was prepared to release the song on Friday, 30 August, but Zahara's family and management have raised objections. They are adamant that they must give permission for the song's release, citing that Zahara never left any instructions about her unreleased music.

Those who have heard the final product, after mixing and mastering, are convinced that the song would have been a hit during the festive season.

"It is a beautiful song; this is disappointing for the fans," said the source.

The source also revealed that Zahara's sister, Bandezwa, is not opposed to the song's release but has concerns about financial arrangements. "She wants to know how much they stand to receive from the song," said the source.

It appears that the dispute boils down to a clash between honouring Zahara's legacy and ensuring fair compensation for her estate. Csana's team is determined to release the song, seeing it as a tribute to their late friend.

However, Zahara's family and management are understandably cautious, wanting to protect her legacy and ensure that her estate benefits from her work.

The dispute has cast a shadow over the release of "Emva Kwendlu," leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release while the two sides attempt to reach an agreement.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Zahara's sisters were recently evicted from her Roodepoort house after it was auctioned. The sisters, Lumka and Bandezwa, reportedly took the built-in stove from the kitchen before leaving, after selling other items.

Zahara's family has also been in the news for other reasons. Despite the sale of her prized possessions, including her furniture, Zahara received two posthumous nominations at the Afro-soul Music Awards, one for Best Female Afro Soul Artist of Democracy and the other for Best Afro Album of Democracy for her debut album, "Loliwe."

The awards are set to take place on 26 October 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. It remains to be seen how Zahara's family will handle the awards, given the current dispute over her unreleased music.