South African singer Zahara dead at 35.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African singer and songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana, better known as Zahara died on Monday. She was 35.

The cause of her death has not yet been revealed.

Zizi Kodwa, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, confirmed the artist's death, nothing "I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara. 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."

Warner Music Africa in a statement says it is mourning "the sudden departure of Zahara, the esteemed South African singer-songwriter recognised for her multi-platinum successes and 17-time SAMA-winning impact on the music scene".

Temi Adeniji, Warner Music Africa managing director, says "Zahara was a true music icon, a force whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with fans across South Africa and beyond".

"Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and the entire music community during this difficult time."

Zahara was the subject of the reality show Zahara: As I Rise which was broadcast in February on SABC1.

On 27 November her family said in a statement that she was taken to hospital after "physical pain". She has been in hospital for two weeks following liver problems.

Zahara died on Monday night at 22:00 in a Johannesburg hospital with her fiance Mpho Zaba next to her.

e.tv's embarrassing no-show at Coke Studio launch where Cassper Nyovest is nowhere to be seen; Zahara pulls a disappearing act on SABC1.

Cassper Nyovest ended up being a no-show at e.tv's embarrassing Coke Studio media launch - and then there's dear Zahara who left panicked SABC1 producers likewise in the lurch on the live Sport @ 10. Allegedly.

First to the blatant rip-off of SABC2's Jam Sandwich, e.tv's latest advertiser-funded production (AFP) from Coca-Cola, Coke Studio starting tonight on e.tv at 20:30.

The lame launch was hilarious (and I don't mean that in a funny or good way) when Cassper Nyovest was nowhere to be seen or heard in Sandton.

Why was this Coca-Cola mess embarrassing?

Well, how about I tell you that J'Something appears with Cassper Nyovest in tonight's first episode on e.tv.

No problem yet.

Well, how about I tell you that e.tv and Coca-Cola specifically focused and chose to show how Cassper Nyovest show up late for the studio recording and then complain that the song's new arrangement isn't working for him.

Then add J'Something singing the new colab at the shindig ... uhm, with no Cassper Nyovest. Alone.

Gotta ask: Why sing when the very raison d'etre isn't there or possible? Who does this? Who organises this? Who has no clue and never heard of the words "reputation management" when it comes to brand damage?

So unprofessional from, and for, e.tv, Coca-Cola, J'Something and Cassper Nyovest. And awkward, to say the least.

It's as embarrassingly bad as last year's shocking no-show when Diamond Platnumz was supposed to perform live at MultiChoice's DStv content showcase in Mauritius.

After MultiChoice spent lotsa moneys to film a colab music video with African artists for its shortlived "Africa Rising" campaign, the stage was literally set for a "big reveal" and first live performance to wow the press.

But the Diamond missed his flight and wasn't on stage with the other artists for the opening night of the DStv content showcase on the island. Cue the eye rolls and pass the bread rolls.

Moving on, there's also dear ol' Zahara.

Poor thing was set to show (allegedly!) at Sport @ 10 on SABC1. Only, said butterfly (real name: Bulelwa Mkutukana) was allegedly a no-show.

Cue panicked SABC1 producers, according to Sunday Sun, and the SABC of course, mostly clueless.

Producers scrambled to find a replacement for the live show with rappa "JR" who came to the producers' rescue.

Sunday Sun reported dear Zee told them she had a "family crisis". They didn't believe her. Meanwhile Zahara's manager Sanele Dlamini knew of no SABC1 appearance.

A source told the Sunday tabloid that the Zeezee was "either scared of the fact that the show is love, or she was double-booked".

Why can't we all just watch Gospel Classics, show up, and get along, people?