South African music star Zahara, famously known for the hit song 'Loliwe', is dead

The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter was admitted to the hospital with "liver complications" two weeks ago.

According to multiple South African media outlets, Zahara passed on shortly before 9 p.m.

“The family will release a statement soon. She was with Mpho when she passed away,” a family source said. 

While leading the nation in mourning, Zizi Kodwa, the South African minister of sport, arts and culture, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I am very saddened by the passing of @ZaharaSA. My deepest condolences to the Mkutukana family and the South African music industry.

“Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music."

A week ago, her family confirmed that Zahara had been hospitalised for a week.

They also thanked those supporting them and expressing compassion for the then-ailing musician.

The statement read: “Unfortunately, even though our daughter’s hospitalisation has been of strict confidentiality within our family and close friends, that hasn’t stopped the spread of disingenuous information on the internet. We want to stress that any reliable information regarding Zahara’s health will be communicated via her official social media platforms or by herself.”

The singer’s family from East London also arrived in Johannesburg to be by the singer’s fiancé, Xaba’s, side.

Before her untimely death, the 35-year old songbird released five studio albums, with her 2011 debut album 'Loliwe' going double platinum.

Zahara also amassed an impressive collection of 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.

Over the last 12 years, she became one of South Africa's most recognised musicians for her unique style, powerful vocals and soulful recordings.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Zahara's influence reached global recognition, earning her a spot on the BBC's 2020 list of 100 Women. She also served as a guest judge on the seventeenth season of Idols South Africa in 2021.

The guitar maestro also used her platform to speak out about violence against women in South Africa, something she revealed had happened to her.

In an interview with a local radio last year, Zahara said her music was not for recognition but to bring comfort to broken souls that need healing.