Zahara’s family cancels fundraiser to buy her home 

By Rorisang Modiba

Zahara’s family has been unable to organise a venue for their fundraiser to buy back her home and has cancelled the event. 

Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, was a multi-platinum, award-winning singer/songwriter and self-taught guitarist, who released five albums and won dozens of local and international awards. She died in December at the age of 36. 

The fundraising concert, originally planned to be held in East London later in April, was to feature artists such as Vusi Nova, Nathi Mankayi, Mawethu Dikiza, Lusanda Mbane, and Khanyisa Nkantsu. 

In a discussion with TshishaLIVE, Zahara’s sister, Bandezwa Mkutukana-Febana, said the event wasn’t going to happen because they couldn’t get permission to use a community hall and there had been many other challenges. 

“Zahara fought for her house. Throughout her career she managed to hold on to her house,” said Bandezwa.

“To the family, it was like our home. That’s why we wanted to keep it because it’s got so many memories for us with her in the house. It’s part of her legacy. We really don’t want to lose it.”

She said they need about R1-million to purchase the house that is currently occupied by Zahara’s brother. 

The family is now looking into alternative fundraising methods to buy the house.

“We were not going to eat the money, but we were going to take that money and keep Zahara’s legacy alive by buying back the house. Because we saw companies playing with us and giving us a hard time we wanted to do something quickly to save the house. We won’t stop,” Bandezwa said. 

Zahara 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.

Pictured above: Zahara.

Image source: X