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Zahara, the late ‘Loliwe’ hitmaker. What happened?

Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music.

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Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, died Monday 11th, December 2023, her family said in a statement posted on her official page on X, formerly Twitter. It gave no cause of death. The family said last month that Zahara had been admitted to a hospital with an undisclosed issue and had asked for privacy.

Last month, her manager, Oyama Dyosiba, confirmed she had been hospitalized “following complaints about physical pains”. She had suffered liver disease after problems with alcoholism, confirmed by Dyosiba in 2019.

I was saddened by this news as Zahara was one of my first introductions to South African music, my favorite song being DJ Sbu feat. Zahara – Lengoma. Netizens around the world have been confused by her untimely death and sad as they say that Zahara healed souls with her music.

Claims have been circulating the internet about her alcoholism and the cause of her dipping into bad health. This was about her contract with her record label as it was too much for her and this made her dip into alcohol. Her sister Nomonde said that year doctors had told her, “If [Zahara] continues drinking, she is going to die … We are making sure that there is always someone around her to monitor her so that she doesn’t start drinking again”.

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Also in 2021, in an interview, DJ Sbu claimed Zahara had been paid for her Loliwe album. However, speaking to TshisaLIVE, Zahara said that she has never received any funds for her work with the Loliwe album. “It’s all lies,” she said, fuming.

Why did Zahara write Loliwe?

Zahara said the song is primarily about the train that transported her fathers and forefathers from Johannesburg to East London during the Apartheid era. Furthermore, she said many people had hope that the train would bring their loved ones back.

Zahara won 17 South African music awards, was also recognized in Nigeria and was included on a list of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2020 by the BBC. She released four more albums — one of them triple platinum and one platinum.

RIP to the legend that introduced South African music to the world, truly she did cure souls with her music.

Below are some of the messages that people had to say about Zahara.

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Sauti Sol Gears Up For Sol Fest 2024 In December

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Sauti Sol has officially announced the return of Sol Fest, scheduled for December 2024, with two shows: the VIP experience on December 19 and the Fan Show on December 21.

The festival, which celebrates the band’s music and legacy, will see all four members—Bien, Polycarp, Savara, and Chimano—reunite on stage despite their current solo ventures.

Joining them will be longtime collaborators Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones, comedian Crazy Kennar, and several unnamed female artists.

Last year’s Sol Fest 2023, dubbed “The Last Dance,” drew over 15,000 attendees to Uhuru Gardens, celebrating the band’s 17-year journey. The 2024 edition is set to continue the tradition with a VIP show at a luxury venue and an affordable, open-air fan event.

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Walker Town Presents A Star-Studded Lineup Featuring Lauryn Hill, Nyashinski And Rema

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Nairobi is gearing up for an epic music event as Walker Town returns on September 28th at Laureate Gardens.

Presented by Johnnie Walker, this year’s concert promises a star-studded lineup, featuring a mix of international and local talent that will light up the city.

Day 1 of the event will see performances from Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Rema, Kenya’s Bien (of Sauti Sol), and British rapper Arrdee. Rema, known for his chart-topping hits like “Calm Down,” will bring his infectious Afrobeat energy to the stage. Bien, a celebrated Kenyan vocalist, will thrill fans with his soulful sounds and captivating stage presence. Arrdee, the rising British rapper behind hits like “Oliver Twist,” will add his unique flair, making Day 1 a mix of Afrobeat, soulful ballads, and dynamic rap.

Day 2 will be headlined by the legendary Lauryn Hill, whose groundbreaking music has influenced generations, and Kenya’s own Nyashinski, who will close out the event with his signature blend of rap, Afrobeat, and soul.

With performances across both days, Walker Town Nairobi will offer fans an unforgettable experience of world-class entertainment, backed by the iconic Johnnie Walker brand.

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Yemi Alade Named As The Spotify Equal Artist For September 2024

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Spotify has named Afropop star Yemi Alade as the EQUAL Artist for September 2024.

Often called “Mama Africa” by her fans, Yemi Alade has earned widespread acclaim for her dedication to promoting African heritage through her vibrant sound and magnetic performances.

Over the years, Yemi Alade’s powerful voice and captivating stage presence have propelled her to global recognition. Her talent has led to high-profile collaborations with internationally renowned artists like Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo, and Awilo Longomba, further solidifying her status as an ambassador of African music. Through extensive world tours, she has consistently showcased the richness of African rhythms, connecting with diverse audiences around the globe.

Speaking on the EQUAL Africa initiative, Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the platform’s commitment to promoting female artists across the continent. “Yemi Alade embodies the extraordinary talent that EQUAL Africa seeks to uplift. We’re honored to support her and other women in music, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to reach a global audience,” she said.

With a career spanning more than ten years, Yemi Alade has become a force to be reckoned with, not only in Nigeria but internationally as well.

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