At the funeral service of the late afro soul star Zahara, TK Nciza, co-founder of recording label TS Records, expressed the sentiment that Zahara’s music had the power to heal the nation.
Zahara, whose real name is Bulelwa Mtutukana, passed away in a Johannesburg hospital after being admitted there late last month.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Rasta Strikes Again: Zahara’s Funeral Portrait Misses The Mark
Nciza reminisced about the release of Zahara’s debut album in 2011, recounting how it quickly became a sensation.
“It’s 2011, we drop the album. Unknown artist, no artist is selling 20 thousand copies. Within two weeks, we were sitting on 100 thousand. It was a spiritual album. It spoke to people’s hearts,” Nciza said.
“She was very proud of her background and where she came from. And what it means is that you must take pride in where you come from as a person. She always said she comes from Phumlani, because she must inspire many people who are coming from that area and I think she has done that,” he said.
“She was not just a musician to me, and I know that people always believe that it was always a transactional issue. She was my younger sister, she was my kid, we loved each other till the last day.”
Vusi Leeuw, from the South African Music Industry Council, also highlighted Zahara’s impact on the industry.
He praised her first album for saving the struggling music industry, saying, “Every year, the industry struggles to make sure that they keep people buying and believing in their product, and her album did exactly that.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Babes Wodumo Finds Comfort In Faith As Mampintsha’s Anniversary Approaches
Zahara’s music resonated with people because it was relatable and gave them hope. Her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics became a source of comfort and inspiration for many. Through her music, she touched the lives of her listeners, creating a sense of unity and healing in the nation.
As we remember Zahara, let us celebrate her legacy and the profound impact she had on the music industry and the hearts of her fans. Her music will continue to uplift and heal, reminding us of the power of art to bring people together.
