In 2011, a young woman with an acoustic guitar and a clear, soulful voice released an album that swept South Africa. Its title track, “Loliwe”, meaning train, became one of the country’s best-loved songs. Zahara had arrived, and she remained one of South Africa’s most cherished voices until her death in 2023.
Early life
Zahara was born Bulelwa Mkutukana on 9 November 1987. She sang from a young age, and the guitar became central to her sound and her image.
Loliwe
After signing a record deal with TS Records, she released her debut album, Loliwe, in 2011. It went double platinum, an extraordinary achievement for a debut, and made her a household name.
Her style
Zahara’s music combined soulful vocals, acoustic guitar and African melodies, sung in isiXhosa and English. Her songs were often reflective, drawing on faith, love and personal struggle.
Phendula
Her second album, Phendula, released in 2013, produced three chart-topping singles: “Phendula”, “Impilo” and “Stay”.
Country Girl
Her third album, Country Girl, came out in 2015 and was certified triple platinum.
Mgodi
Her fourth album, Mgodi, released in 2017, became her best-selling album and was certified platinum.
Nqaba Yam
Her fifth album, Nqaba Yam, released in 2021, reached number one on iTunes, showing the lasting loyalty of her fans.
A voice for many
Zahara’s songs connected with listeners from different backgrounds. Her honesty about life’s difficulties made fans feel she was speaking directly to them, and her concerts often felt like shared confessions.
Her death
Zahara died on 11 December 2023, aged 36. Her death led to an outpouring of tributes from musicians, politicians and fans across South Africa.
Awards
Her success brought numerous awards and nominations in South Africa, and she became one of the best-selling artists of her generation in the country.
The guitar
At a time when many pop stars relied on producers and backing tracks, Zahara was often seen performing with her own guitar. Young women across South Africa cited her as a reason they picked up the instrument.
Faith in her music
Many of Zahara’s songs carried themes of hope and faith, and her music was played in homes, taxis and churches alike.
The train still runs
“Loliwe” is a song about a train. Years after its release, it still carries listeners somewhere, and for her fans, every time it plays, Zahara’s voice comes home again.
