Zahara (South African musician)
Zahara | |
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Zahara performing in Nairobi, 2013 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Bulelwa Mkutukana |
Also known as | Zahara |
Born | East London, South Africa | 9 November 1987
Died | 11 December 2023 Johannesburg, South Africa | (aged 36)
Genres | Afro-soul |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 2009–2023 |
Labels |
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Bulelwa Mkutukana (9 November 1987 – 11 December 2023), known by her stage name Zahara, was a South African singer, songwriter and guitarist. Her music was classified loosely as "Afro-soul", and she sang in Xhosa, her native language, as well as in English.
After signing a record deal with TS Records, Mkutukana's debut album, Loliwe (2011), went double platinum. Her second album, Phendula (2013), produced three chart-topping singles "Phendula", "Impilo", and "Stay". Zahara's third album, Country Girl (2015), was certified triple platinum. Following her departure from TS Records, she signed a record deal with Warner Music.[1] Her fourth album, Mgodi (2017), was her best-selling album and was certified platinum, while her fifth album, Nqaba Yam (2021), peaked at number 1 on iTunes.[2]
Her accolades included seventeen South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.[3] Zahara was on the 2020 list of the BBC's 100 Women.[4] She appeared as a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa in 2021.[5]
Early life
[edit]Born as Bulelwa Mkutukana in the Phumlani Informal Settlement of East London in Eastern Cape, South Africa,[6] Zahara was raised there with her parents Nokhaya and Mlamli Mkutukana, the sixth of seven children.[7] Zahara started singing in her school's choir when she was six years old, becoming the lead singer there,[8] and at the age of nine, she was asked to join the senior choir because of her strong voice.[9] Her stage name means "blooming flower" in Arabic.[8] As a child, she was known by the nickname "Spinach" after her love of vegetables.[10]
Career
[edit]Zahara's music is classified loosely as "Afro-soul" and she sang in her native language, Xhosa, as well as in English.[11] Her music has been described as a mixture of styles popularized by Tracy Chapman and India Arie.[12]
Zahara started her career busking on the streets of East London. She was signed to the label TS Records by TK Nciza.[13]
Zahara's debut album Loliwe was released in 2011, with the first issue being sold out within 72 hours.[11] Nineteen days later, the album sold more than 100,000 copies, reaching double platinum status in South Africa.[14] This made her the second musician to reach this figure in such record time after Brenda Fassie, also a Xhosa native.[15] Zahara released her first live DVD The Beginning Live in 2012, featuring X-Factor USA contestant LeRoy Bell, which reached platinum in one day, according to the standards set by the Recording Industry of South Africa.[16]
On 1 May 2012, at the annual South African Music Awards, Zahara won eight awards, including "Best Female Artist" and "Album of the Year".[17]
In 2013, Zahara released her second studio album, Phendula, which won three South African Music Awards for Best Selling Album, Best R&B, Soul and Reggae Album and Best Female Artist of the Year. The same year, Nelson Mandela invited her to his home to perform a private bedside concert. She then composed "Nelson Mandela" in his honour and released it as an EP.[18]
2014–2018: Country Girl, Mgodi
[edit]In July 2014, Zahara's younger brother was murdered in East London. According to Zahara, she went through a period of depression after his death, but recovered enough for the 2015 release of Country Girl.[19] In 2015 at the Eastern Cape Music Awards, she won the two awards "Best Female" and "Best Artist 3".[20]
In early 2017, Zahara signed with Warner Music South Africa.[21] On 13 October 2017, she released her fourth studio album Mgodi,[22][23] which went gold after only six hours.[24][25] To further support the album, Zahara embarked on her Africa All Star Music Festival, visiting three venues in United States.[26] The tour began in Toronto, Canada, on 17 August 2019, and concluded on 24 August 2019, in Washington, D.C.[27]
Mgodi won Best Female Act at the 2018 Next Generation Entertainment Awards.[28][17]
2021–2023: Nqaba Yam
[edit]Following a four-year hiatus, Zahara announced her fifth studio album on CapeTalk site and later released the album's lead single "Nyamezela" on 7 May 2021.[29] On 30 July 2021, she released a second single "Nqaba Yam".[30] The album was initially set to be released on 9 July 2021, but was delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns and finally released on 13 August 2021.[31][32][33][34]
In December 2021, she teased her first Amapiano single on Twitter.[35] In November 2023, Zahara's debut amapiano single,"Guqa Ngedolo" was released.[36]
Television
[edit]In 2021, she made her television debut as a guest judge for Idols South Africa season 17, alongside Dineo Ranaka.[5]
Death
[edit]On 11 December 2023, Zahara died at a hospital in Johannesburg, at age 36.[37][38] She had been admitted mid-November with liver complications which worsened until she became unresponsive.[39] She had suffered with liver disease after problems with alcoholism, according to her manager in 2019.[40]
Discography
[edit]- Loliwe (2011)
- The Beginning Live (2012)
- Phendula (2013)
- Country Girl (2015)
- Mgodi (2017)
- Nqaba Yam (2021)
Awards and nominations
[edit]Year | Event | Prize | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Female Southern Africa | Won | [41] | |
20th Annual South African Music Awards | Best Selling Album | Phendula | Won | [42] | |
Female Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Best RnB, Soul and Reggae | Nominated | [43] | |||
Metro FM Music Awards | Best African Pop Album | Nominated | [44] | ||
Best Female Artist | Nominated | ||||
Song of the Year | "Phendula" | Nominated | |||
2013 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Southern African Artist of the Year | Won | [45] | |
19th Annual South African Music Awards | Best Collaboration | "Thetha Nami" (Riot featuring Zahara) |
Won | [46] | |
"Hold On (Bambelela)" (Zahara featuring LeRoy Bell and the Soweto Gospel Choir) |
Nominated | [47] | |||
Best Live DVD | The Beginning Live | Nominated | |||
MTN SAMA Record of the Year | "Umthwalo" | Nominated | |||
Best Selling Ring-Back-Tone | "Loliwe" | Won | [46] | ||
2012 | Kora Awards | Best Female Artist from Southern Africa | Won | [48] | |
Channel O Music Video Awards | Best Female Video | Won | [49] | ||
18th Annual South African Music Awards | Best Smooth Urban Music Album | Loliwe | Won | [50] | |
Best Collaboration | "Incwad' Encane" (Zahara featuring Georgie Munetsi) |
Won | |||
Best Selling Album | Loliwe | Won | |||
Newcomer of the Year | "Loliwe" | Won | |||
Female Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Album of the Year | Loliwe | Won | |||
Best Selling Full-Track Download of the Year | "Loliwe" | Won | [51] | ||
Remix of the Year | "Lengoma" (DJ Sbu featuring Zahara) |
Won | |||
The Headies | African Artist of the Year | "Loliwe" | Nominated | [52] | |
2011 | Metro FM Music Awards [A] | Best Produced Album | Loliwe | Nominated | [53][54][55] |
Best Female Album | Won | ||||
Best Newcomer | Nominated | ||||
Song of the Year | "Loliwe" | Won | |||
Hit Single of the Year | "Lengoma" (DJ Sbu featuring Zahara) |
Won | |||
Feather Awards | Musician (Zakes Bantwini and Zahara) |
Won | [56] | ||
2017 | South African Afro Music Awards | Herself | Best Afro Female Artist | Nominated | [57] |
Country Girl | Best Afro Album | Nominated | |||
2019 | Eastern Cape Music Awards | Best EC National Recognised Artist | Herself | Nominated | [58] |
2020 | Africa Entertainment Awards USA 2020 | Best Female Artist | Herself | Won | [59] |
Best Female Artist | Nominated | ||||
2024 | South African Afro Music Awards | Best Afro Album of Democracy | Pending | [60] | |
Best Female Afro Soul Artist of Democracy | Pending |
- Notes
- A ^ The Metro FM Music Awards were not held in 2012 due to re-positioning. The award ceremony was held in 2013.[61]
References
[edit]- ^ "Another One! Zahara Has Left TS Records – OkMzansi". OkMzansi.
- ^ "Zahara's new feel-good album 'Nqaba Yam' already a hit with Mzansi". Independent Online. 13 August 2021.
- ^ "Zahara | Warner Music South Africa". Warner Music South Africa.
- ^ "ZAHARA MAKES BBC 100 LIST | Warner Music South Africa". Warner Music South Africa. 27 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Zahara promises to do better as Idols SA guest judge | JustNje". JustNje. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
- ^ "'She Poured Her Heart Out On Stage': South Africa's Entertainment Industry Reflects On Singer-Songwriter Zahara's Passing And Lasting Legacy". Forbes Africa. 12 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Zahara arrives today". The Herald. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ a b Yoon, John (12 December 2023). "Zahara, Acclaimed South African Singer and Guitarist, Dies at 36". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "South Africa's Zahara to perform in Malawi – Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi". Nyasa Times. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Zahara: strumming to greatness". News24. 16 September 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Zahara Sells Out In 72 Hours". MIO. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ "Zahara is going places real fast". Sowetan. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ Mayne, Jane (7 December 2017). "Zahara Mgodi interview: Fun things about Zahara". Weekend Special.
- ^ "Zahara's CD flies off shelves". Sowetan. Archived from the original on 15 March 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
- ^ "Award-winning musician Zahara dies". The Citizen. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ Zaranyika, Tapiwanashe (12 December 2023). "'A pure light and purer heart' — tributes pour in for singer Zahara". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ a b Zeeman, Kyle (21 October 2018). "Greatest hits! Zahara scoops 40th award". Times LIVE.
- ^ "Zahara releases touching tribute to Mandela". News24. 7 April 2013.
- ^ Thakurdin, Karishma (25 May 2015). "Zahara again denies 'alcoholism' and 'broke' reports". News24.
- ^ "Eastern Cape Music Awards Winners – OkMzansi". OkMzansi.
- ^ Modisane, Kgosi (5 July 2017). "Zahara lands new Warner Music deal – The Citizen". The Citizen.
- ^ "Zahara gets ready to release her 4th album | Channel". News24. South Africa. 6 July 2017.
- ^ "Zahara on releasing new album: My plan is to bring hope to every girl | Channel". Channel. South Africa. 29 August 2017.
- ^ Herimbi, Helen (1 November 2017). "Zahara – 'Mgodi' is all about my journey". Independent Online.
- ^ "South African Singer Zahara's Fourth Album Goes Gold within Hours of Release – OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. 17 October 2017.
- ^ Lesemane, Lineo. "ZAHARA'S READY FOR HER AMERICAN TOUR!". Daily SUN. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- ^ "Zahara To Go On North American Tour All Throughout August". Zkhiphani. 15 August 2018.
- ^ Ngwadla, Nkosazana (16 October 2018). "Zahara bags 40th music award | Drum". News24. South Africa.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (7 May 2021). "SA: Zahara releases Nyamezela single ahead of fifth album | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (30 July 2021). "SA: Listen to Zahara's new single Nqaba Yam | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
- ^ "Zahara puts troll in its place after questioning her popularity". Independent Online. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- ^ Wagiet, Rafiq (26 June 2021). "South African musician Zahara set to release her fifth studio album". Cape Talk.
- ^ Mike, Steven (13 August 2021). "Zahara Nqaba Yam Album". iminathi.
- ^ "Zahara releases new album, Nqaba Yam | JustNje". JustNje. 13 August 2021.
- ^ "Zahara Teases Her First Amapiano Single, Fans React". ZAtunes. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
- ^ Seemela, Masego (2 November 2023). "Zahara makes her debut as new amapiano queen". Sowetan Live. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "Zahara: South African music icon dies aged 36". 12 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ Wycliffe Muia (12 December 2023). "Zahara: South African music icon Zahara dies aged 36". bbc.com. BBC News. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ Joel Ontong (12 December 2023). "'Incredible and lasting impact': Tributes pour in after 'true music icon' Zahara dies". Independent Online. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (12 December 2023). "Zahara, platinum-selling South African singer-songwriter, dies aged 35". The Guardian.
- ^ "Sarkodie, Fuse ODG, DJ Black, others win at AFRIMMA Awards". Ghana Web. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ^ "Mafikizolo Dominates SAMA 20 With Eight Awards". Rolling Stone, South Africa. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ "A full list of all the 2014 SAMA nominees". Channel24. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
- ^ Boshomane, Lebogang (17 January 2014). "13th Metro FM Music Awards nominees announced". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- ^ "Olamide emerges biggest winner at NEA 2013 [Full Winners List]". The Net Nigeria. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ a b "WINNERS". SAMA. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "THE 19TH ANNUAL MTN SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES". SAMA. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "Full List: All The Winners From the KORA Awards". Ghafla. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "Full list of winners at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards". ModernGhana. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "THE 18TH ANNUAL MTN SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS AND THE WINNERS ARE..." SAMA. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "Full List Of Winners: 2012 MTN SA Music Awards". justcurious. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "THE HEADIES (HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2012) WINNERS LIST". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
- ^ "2011 Metro FM Music Awards – all the winners". TVSA. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ "AKA Dominates Metro FM Awards". MIO. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ Koyana, Xolani (1 May 2012). "Newcomer Zahara blows away opposition at SAMA awards". Cape Times. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
- ^ "Feather Awards 2011". YWorld. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (24 November 2020). "SA: Vusi Nova wins two SAAFMAs | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
- ^ Seroto, Butchie (20 September 2019). "SA Eastern Cape Music Awards: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
- ^ Ilado, Lucy (22 December 2020). "Africa Entertainment Awards USA 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa.
- ^ Modiba, Rorisang (13 August 2024). "Zahara nominated for two Afro Music Awards". Scrolla Africa. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "SABC Announces Plans For 12th MMA". Metrofm. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
External links
[edit]- 1987 births
- 2023 deaths
- Deaths from liver disease
- Musicians from the Eastern Cape
- People from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- People from East London, South Africa
- South African guitarists
- South African singer-songwriters
- Xhosa people
- 21st-century guitarists
- 21st-century South African women singers
- 21st-century women guitarists