Zahara’s Brave Fight Against Depression and Alcoholism
The tragic death of South African musician Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, has not only shocked her legion of fans but also shone a spotlight on the demons she battled throughout her life.
Also Read: “May Her Soul Haunt You”: Mzansi Blames Dj Sbu & TK Nciza For Zahara’s Death
Unveiling Zahara’s Inner Demons: Confronting Depression
Beyond Zahara’s illustrious career, which saw her clinch an impressive 48 awards, the singer grappled silently with profound personal struggles. Her public life bore the weight of financial turmoil, tax disputes, and a candid admission of her tussle with alcoholism, notably in her pursuit of rightful royalties from TS Records in 2019.
However, beneath the surface, Zahara’s resilience faced a relentless battle against depression, a silent adversary she openly addressed. Speaking during an interview with Tbo Touch on Metro FM early this year, she bravely shared the toll cyberbullying exacted on her mental health.
You thought you gave me a name, and you thought you gave me a gift. The person that gave me the gift, which is God, will see it through. It’s not about you, it’s not about me. He is going to let it live whether I like it or not,” she said.
Her words echoed the pain inflicted by hurtful comments, underscoring that she, too, wrestled with the invisible claws of depression.
“People go through depression whether I know it or don’t know it. There’s no way I did not go through depression. There’s no way that I did not feel what you guys were saying to me, the daggers that you were pointing at me and digging me, that I did feel no pain.”
The Dark Veil of Coping: Zahara’s Battle with Alcohol
Amid her battle with inner demons, Zahara turned to alcohol, initially seeking solace in its numbing embrace. Reflecting on her brother’s tragic passing, she confessed to using alcohol not for happiness but as a means to find solace and sleep amidst her sorrow. Zahara disclosed in an emotional interview with TimesLive, unraveling the layers of anguish that pushed her towards alcohol as an escape from her pain.
“I used to drink for myself to be happy, but now I saw I was drinking to sleep because of my brother’s death and what the company was doing to me. I couldn’t talk to nobody because I was scared of everything,” she said
Sadly, the weight of her loss and the turmoil within her career coerced her into a state of isolation, fearing communication due to the overwhelming fear that encompassed her.
Zahara’s struggle with alcohol as a coping mechanism unveiled the profound depth of her anguish and how, at times, it clouded her ability to confront her inner turmoil. Her candidness in acknowledging these battles revealed the vulnerability beneath her public persona, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of her struggles.