A fight is raging between the Mtutukana family and friends of the late singer and songwriter Zahara over her birthday celebrations.
Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, died on 11 December 2023 and would have turned 37 on 9 November. However, her Johannesburg friends and East London family are hosting two different events on the same day, sparking disagreement over how best to commemorate the “Loliwe” star’s legacy.
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Fight Over Zahara Birthday Celebrations
In Johannesburg, Zahara’s fanbase, the “Zahara Army,” led by close friend and former assistant Lisa Gwengxeka, is planning a tribute celebration at the Decalabash Hotel in Randfontein.
Lisa, who lived with Zahara and was by her side daily, said this event is meant to celebrate Zahara’s life in a way that reflects their bond.
She told Zimoja:
“I lived with her, woke up next to her every day. I was there through everything. She was my sister and after mourning, I want us to celebrate her life.”
Lisa added that the “Zahara Army” has no financial motives behind the event:
“We are not planning to coin-it using her name. We miss her dearly and just want to honour her the best way we know how.”
Singer’s Mother Irked
However, Zahara’s mother, Nokhaya Mkutukana, has expressed her disappointment over the Johannesburg tribute, insisting that the only appropriate place to celebrate her daughter’s life is in East London, where Zahara was born and raised.
“If the army were that close to her, they would make it to East London. We can’t have two separate events,” Nokhaya said.
In East London, Zahara’s family is preparing their own tribute in her hometown, which many believe is the rightful place for such a celebration. Yet, Lisa and other members of the “Zahara Army” argue that not everyone can afford to travel to East London, and thus they are hosting their event in Johannesburg.
“She loved celebrating her birthday, and every year, we got together to celebrate, and we will do that in true Zahara style. But not everyone will have the financial capacity to get to East London. So, we are planning something intimate for her in Joburg,” Lisa said.