Local musician Vusi Nova found himself overcome with emotion as he paid tribute to his dear friend Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, at her funeral.
The multi-award winning songwriter and singer’s funeral was held at the East London International Convention Centre, and Nova was just one of the many attendees who struggled to hold back tears.
As Nova took to the podium, his grief was evident as he took a few moments to compose himself before delivering a heartfelt tribute to the 36-year-old Zahara. “Bulelwa was special, she was extraordinary,” Nova said, his voice trembling.
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“Right now, she was the one person who understood me. I understood her. Bulelwa took, literally, my secrets to the grave,” he added, wiping away tears. “She took all my secrets to the grave. I want to promise her I will take her secrets to the grave.”
Nova shared a touching story of his visit to Zahara in the hospital just before she passed away. He recalled walking into her room and immediately fearing the worst because she had been moved to a private room without all the medical equipment.
Nova scolded his friend, telling her to never scare him like that again. It was a moment that showcased the deep bond they shared.
[WATCH] Musician Vusi Nova was emotional when he paid tribute to his friend, Zahara Mkutukana. "She was the one person who understood me and I understood her."#Newzroom405 #RIPZahara #ZaharaFuneral pic.twitter.com/8sq8qRUNAF
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 23, 2023
To honor Zahara’s memory, Nova then performed one of her most beloved hymns, ‘Lizalis’idinga Lakho,’ which she had previously recorded with the Soweto Gospel Choir. The performance was a poignant tribute to their shared love of music and their shared experiences.
TS Record co-owner TK Nciza also spoke at the funeral, sharing his experience of working with Zahara. He described how he immediately recognized her incredible talent within just 30 seconds of seeing her perform.
Nciza was captivated by her voice and knew he had stumbled upon something extraordinary. He convinced his wife to let Zahara stay with them, and together they began recording her music.
It was through this collaboration that Mzansi was introduced to the soulful singer we now know as Zahara.
However, the funeral procession was not without its challenges. According to eNCA’s Ronald Masinda, taxi drivers from Phumlani, where the funeral was taking place, blocked the road in protest.
They claimed that the buses hired to transport mourners were not allowed to operate in the area, resulting in a loss of business for the taxi drivers.
The obstacles faced during Zahara’s funeral procession serve as a reminder that even in times of grief, there can be moments of tension and frustration. However, it is the outpouring of love and support, such as Vusi Nova’s emotional tribute, that truly highlights the impact Zahara had on those around her.
Zahara’s untimely passing has left a void in the music industry and in the hearts of her loved ones. Her music will continue to resonate with fans, and her memory will live on through the stories and tributes shared by those who were fortunate enough to know her.
