Bulelwa Mkutakana, popularly known with her stage name, Zahara, has died.

The multi-award-winning artist breathed her last at a private hospital in Johannesburg on Monday night.

The news was confirmed by Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Zizi Kodwa, who expressed his deep sorrow on social media.

Zahara had been hospitalized a week prior, shortly after celebrating her birthday on November 9. The hospitalization followed the payment of lobola by her fiancé, Mpho Xaba.

A statement released by the family a week ago read, “Zahara has been admitted to the hospital following a week of complaints about physical pains. The doctors are working diligently, and we await further updates from them.”

Despite efforts to maintain confidentiality, misinformation about Zahara’s health circulated on the internet. The family emphasized that accurate updates would only be communicated through her official social media platforms.

Tributes trickle in

Tributes have started pouring in following the death of the multi-award-winning songbird.

The Loliwe hitmaker died at a Johannesburg hospital last night.

Her family is yet to release a statement.

COSATU and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have also offered their deepest sympathies.

ATM described Zahara as an illustrious musical icon whose influence on the South African music landscape was unparalleled.

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Zahara released five albums including Loliwe to Nqaba Yam.

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She also won many South African Music Awards during her career.

Fellow musician Yamikani Janet Banda, also known as Lady Zamar, has also expressed her condolences to the Mkutukana family.

South Africans took to social media to pass on their messages of comfort with to the family and also to share their fondest memories.