RIP: Video of Zahara dying Ieaked by her close sister minutes ago
A Solemn Farewell: Zahara’s Memorial Unveils the Tender Echoes of Her Final Moments
[WATCH] #Zahara’s sister, Lumka Mkutukana, says the doctor called the family to the hospital to witness her pass away as she would pass on at any given time, and they witnessed the machines signal her taking her last breath. #RIPZahara
In a poignant ceremony held at the illustrious Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg, the late and acclaimed musician Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, was bid farewell on Thursday, 14 December.
Zahara, a shining star in the South African music scene, passed away on Monday, 11 December, in a Johannesburg hospital, enveloped by the comforting presence of her family and loved ones. The cause of her untimely demise was reported to be a brief but severe illness, purportedly linked to complications arising from liver problems.
The announcement of her death, conveyed by her grief-stricken family, hailed Zahara as “a beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world.” The echoes of her legacy resounded as friends, family, and industry peers gathered at her memorial service to commemorate a life that had touched many.
Taking the podium with grace, the late Loliwe hitmaker’s sister, Bulelwa Mkutukana, shared an emotional journey through the cherished memories leading up to Zahara’s final moments. Recounting the painful experience at the hospital, Bulelwa revealed, “She was in pain at the hospital. I remember just after we left for the 15h00 visit, at 17h00, the doctor called and said we must come back. When Mama, Junior, and I got there, they told us to stay in the room and wait because Bulelwa would not be around for long… It was so painful; we were crying and prayed for four hours.”
The heart-wrenching account provided an intimate glimpse into the somber reality that befell the 36-year-old artist during her final moments, underscoring the depth of sorrow and the profound sense of loss felt by those closest to her.
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The memorial service also witnessed a powerful tribute from renowned media personality Somizi Mhlongo, who candidly addressed Zahara’s challenges and the perceived abandonment she faced during her darkest hours. Somizi, reflecting on past interactions, expressed remorse for a joke made about Zahara’s struggles with alcohol during a hosting stint at the SAMAs. He candidly admitted that the impact of words and actions should never be underestimated, as he acknowledged the inadvertent hurt caused by his comments.
“There was a time I was hosting the SAMAs, and I made a joke about her drinking and stuff, only later did you realize what you say to people, how you make people feel is very important, and I learned my lesson because I took it for granted as a joke. I didn’t know how much I hurt her, realized later.
Luckily, we had time on earth to reconcile and become friends again but still, she went through a rough time, where was Somizi? Nowhere. Where were we? Nowhere,” expressed the SABC quoted Ask A MAN radio personality, laying bare the harsh truth about the industry’s sometimes unforgiving nature.
As the memorial service unfolded, the collective grief in the room underscored the enormity of Zahara’s impact on the South African music landscape. With the final farewell scheduled for 23 December in East London, Eastern Cape, Zahara’s legacy is destined to endure in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to witness the brilliance of her artistry and the resilience of her spirit.
