The acclaimed performer had been admitted to hospital two weeks ago. <\/p>
South African singer Zahara has died at the age of 36, it was announced today.<\/p>\n
The celebrated talent, whose birth name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, released six studio albums, starting with 2011\u2019s Loliwe \u2013 which was certified double platinum and won in eight categories at the 18th Annual South African Music Awards.<\/p>\n
Her international fanbase led to a successful North American tour in 2019 and inclusion on the BBC\u2019s 100 Women list in 2020, while the following year she appeared as a guest judge on Idols South Africa (based on the Pop Idol format).<\/p>\n
In 2019, it became known that Zahara was struggling with alcohol addiction, which had contributed to her developing liver disease<\/a>, and the BBC reports<\/a> that she was believed to have been hospitalised with liver complications.<\/p>\n On 27th November 2023, Zahara\u2019s family released a statement confirming that she had been admitted to hospital \u201cfollowing complaints about physical pains\u201d, but expressed hope that she would be \u201cback on the road soon\u201d.<\/p>\n Tragically, she passed away just two weeks later, on Monday 11th December.<\/p>\n We Mourn the Passing of Zahara #RIPZahara<\/a> \ud83c\udf39 pic.twitter.com\/kSY1mQsL4i<\/a><\/p>\u2014 ZAHARA (@ZaharaSA) December 12, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>