Her debut album reached platinum status in just over two weeks, selling more than 100 000 copies in South Africa alone. Today, Zahara’s second album, ‘Phendula’ is also doing well and is well on its way to platinum status.
Her success, inside and outside South Africa has been phenomenal and if she stays on this course, she may just end up being considered in the same breath as legends Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba or Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Born Bulelwa Mkutukana in the Phumlani Informal Settlement outside East London in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Zahara realised her calling for music at a tender age. Despite having a poor and difficult upbringing, she managed to look beyond the poverty around her and found solace in music.
“My fondest childhood memory was teaching myself how to play the guitar,” she said in an exclusive interview with The Weekender.
“I used to sing in my church choir, and used to entertain my family by imitating the late Brenda Fassie. I then knew I wanted to pursue music,” she recalls.
The Afro-wearing songstress got her singing break in 2010 after being spotted by TK Nciza, who together with his wife Nhlanhla (of Mafikizolo fame) signed her to their label, TS Records. Since then, Zahara has been a hit sensation with songs like ‘Loliwe’ and ‘Ndiza’ captivating audiences across Africa.
“The music industry is growing more and more each day. Music is revolving, people are allowed to demonstrate with sounds they are comfortable with.
In terms of my music, I prefer music that has a message to younger people,” she said when asked to describe her music. Despite trying to target a young audience though, her music appeals across all ages.
Her new album ‘Phendula’ (a prayer to God), is not a complete turnaround from ‘Loliwe’ (the train) and has the signature Zahara flavour. “We experimented with a few new sounds and featured more artists on it such as Lady Smith Black Mambazo, Mzwake Mbuli, Congolese artist Tresor and the twins from Idols, Anele and Neliswa.”
‘Phendula’ (the single) peaked at number one on South African iTunes charts and peaked at number six on EMA (Entertainment Monitoring Africa)’s Top 10 Airplay Chart for the week of 1 October through 8 October 2013.
“A lot is happening with people being victims of crime. There’s a lot of poverty and unemployment. All I am saying is that God should answer our prayers,” she said.
It took her quite some time to release a follow up to her debut album but she insists that there was no rush.
“Loliwe was still doing very well on the market, I thought well; if something is not broken then don’t fix it,” she said.
In an industry filled with scandals and objectification of women, Zahara stands tall with her uniqueness and guards her privacy well. Rumours have floated around about her financial status, romantic involvements and even whether her big Afro is all hers or not. Still, she manages to maintain a squeaky clean image.
“I am a very private person. I think a person can only reveal this much to the public,” she says.
Namibian fans can expect to see Zahara on stage tomorrow at the Windhoek Jazz Festival.
This will be her second time performing in Namibia and she promises fans a good time.
“They should expect a mixture of the old and the new sounds. I am looking forward to the show,” she said.
Fast facts:
Favourite food: Traditional South African Food
Favourite drink: Fruit juice
Lira or Zamajobe: Both
Tracy Chapman or India Arie: Tracy Chapman
