Bulelwa Mkutukana (9 November 1987 – 11 December 2023), known by her stage name Zahara, was a South African singer, songwriter and guitarist.

Her music was classified loosely as "Afro-soul", and she sang in Xhosa, her native language, as well as in English.

[10] Zahara's music is classified loosely as "Afro-soul" and she sang in her native language, Xhosa, as well as in English.

[11] Nineteen days later, the album sold more than 100,000 copies, reaching double platinum status in South Africa.

[14] This made her the second musician to reach this figure in such record time after Brenda Fassie, also a Xhosa native.

The same year, Nelson Mandela invited her to his home to perform a private bedside concert.

[24][25] To further support the album, Zahara embarked on her Africa All Star Music Festival, visiting three venues in United States.

[36] In 2021, she made her television debut as a guest judge for Idols South Africa season 17, alongside Dineo Ranaka.