I have come to the conclusion that this lady has been able to successfully stamp her authority over the local music industry.

Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, has traversed the epic journey of growth, maturity and consistency in her career to a point where she is finally owning her own presence and role in the field. The 29 year old singer from East London, in the Eastern Cape, took South Africa by storm when she debuted her smash hit album ‘Loliwe‘ in 2011. The same album that has its name written in the history books for its remarkable sales, popularity, awards and the recognition of unearthing this proudly South African gem. Zahara has come full-circle and has evolved into an established South African brand. She is an artist who is well on her path towards being reincarnated as a legend in her own right. In a time of one-hit wonders from many of the new entrances into the local music industry, she has been one of the few to still be present, relevant and dynamic. The quality of her albums are testimony to this.

I would like to take you down memory lane through the four albums that she has under her belt and explore the unique elements that each has been able to showcase. I am certain that many South Africans own at least two if not one of these. Zahara, who previously used the name “Spinach” as her stage-name, was discovered by one of the then owners of TS records, who, together with the late Robbie Malinga, assisted in producing and releasing her debut album “Loliwe“. It is as a result of these gentlemen that Zahara was introduced to the South African music market.

1. Loliwe (2011)  – “The train”

This was her debut studio album released under TS Records recording label on the 6th September 2011. ‘Loliwe‘ was produced by the late Robbie Malinga and Mojalefa Thebe. This album is reported to have sold over half a million copies, thus making it the second-best selling album of all time by a South African artist. The album boasts 12- tracks, all written by Zahara, with only one collaboration on the track “Incwad’encane” (a small love letter) where Georgy Kanana makes a guest appearance on the vocals. The album overall is a hit with songs that are still popular even to this day. Tracks that made her a household name include the opening track “Destiny“, “Umthwalo” (My burden) , “Ndiza” (I will come) and “Lengoma” (This song). “Lengoma” was also converted into a  house track by Dj Sbu, which was a dance floor favourite over the 2011 festive period.

Personal positives for the album are the fact that all the songs are written by her, from her heart and tell her story (where she comes from, her humble beginnings and where she plans on going) from all angles. A personal favourite is track 10 “Away” where she demonstrates her fusion, relation to other genres and sounds from her musical influences. The track has that reggae beat to it that makes it catchy and unique. It is very difficult to find a flaw with this album as one barely skips a track. If you do not own your own copy of this album, I would suggest you do so immediately (You can purchase it online or as part of those promotional combos at a good music store near you) before it becomes one of those limited items that will be expensive to own in the near future. The remarkable sales and countless accolades are proof of its excellence.

Following the success of her debut album, Zahara also recorded her first 14-track LIVE DVD in 2012, to a packed Carnival City audience over two days, appropriately titled ‘The Beginning’. The Live recording, also published under TS Records, saw Zahara and her band teaming up with artists including Bongo Riot, Leroy Bell and the Grammy-award winning Soweto Gospel Choir. She also gave the audience a feast when she performed four new songs that were not included in her debut album and in addition to that, she also paid tribute to the late Brenda Fassie when she did covers for the icon’s smash-hits “Vul’indlela” (make way) and “Promises“. Notable songs from the album include the opening track, a traditional hymn called “Liza Lisidinga Lakho” (God fulfil your promise) and her popular duet with local rapper Riot on “Thetha Nami” (Speak to me). The title of this live recording was fitting because it set the tone for the singer’s future success.

2. Phendula (2013) – “God provide an answer”

Released in September 2013 under TS records with the same producers she worked with on her first album, Phendula was Zahara’s second studio album boasting 14 tracks. Back with a glamorous new-look and style but still true to her signature afro-hair and guitar, this offering saw her collaborating with the legendary multi-grammy award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the opening track “Rise Again“.  She retained her original sound with the album’s title song under the same name, which saw her win back the hearts of many South Africans. Other notable tracks in the album include “Impilo” (Life), “Okwami ngokwakho” (What’s mine is yours) and “Iphupha” (A dream). She explored collaborations including with popular poet Mzwakhe Mbuli on “Mandela“, a tribute track released just three months before the former statesman’s untimely passing. Zahara sang for the first time in Swahili through the song “Limisa” featuring Congolese artist Tresor Riziky. Another up-beat collaboration she did was with Nigerian-born singer and internationally acclaimed songwriter and producer Innocent Ujah Idibia also known as 2Face on the album’s closing track ‘Stay‘. The song “Limisa” is a Congo dialect meaning “to forgive” and was a song dedicated to the plight of xenophobia, fostering a culture of acceptance and peace in the African continent.

The album also saw the debut of the Mxhakaza twins who stole the hearts of many after their Idols South Africa audition in KwaZulu Natal during season 9 of the singing competition. Anele and Neliswa can be heard providing their soothing vocals to track  9 “Bomi endibaziyo” (The life that I know). The album won her two South African Music Awards (SAMA) at the 20th edition in 2014 for Best selling album and Best RnB, Soul and Reggae album respectively. It is reported that ‘Phendula’ sold over 100 000 copies within 2 weeks of its official release.

3. Country Girl (2015)

Zahara released her 3rd studio 13-track album ‘Country Girl’ in 2015 still under  the TS records label. The album is reported to have sold gold (over 20 000 copies) within 20 hours of its release. The album was also produced by the late Robbie Malinga who, for the first time, collaborated with her on the album on the song “Bendirongo” (I was wrong). Malinga was the only other artist featured on the album. Remaining true to her signature tunes and sound, hit tracks such as “Imali” (money), “Inameva” (thorns), “Ntombenhle” (a beautiful lady) and “Bomi bami” (my life) were some of the products of the offering. She reflected on her difficulties that she had been experiencing over the years, on the song “Izintaba” (mountains). The theme of challenges in relationships, dating and cheating also surfaced on the song “Amapleya” (players) which introduced the listener to a different side of her. She took the listeners  to her previous reggae inspired sound on the song “Who I am” and ended off the album with a pop and up-tempo “Stop the night“. ‘Country girl’ saw her fully experimenting with her different ranges and themes in her songs. The album’s title track ‘Country girl’ represents her traditional country-style of music. The album bagged a SAMA in 2016 for Best Produced Album.

4. Mgodi (2017) – “Hole”

This is Zahara’s latest offering released in October 2017, with its name figuratively translated to represent all the lowest moments she has had to overcome. In an interview with IOL entertainment, Zahara says the album is about her journey and how she, at times feels like she is being chased by many people across all sides, including the media. To a point where she wants to be alone, in her own space where she can hide freely to breathe, reflect and refresh in an attempt to get back up again. “Mgodi” is her fourth studio album, released by Warner Music South Africa under her very own Music Lives Here (MLH) recording label and boasts 12 tracks, all written by her except only one. She maintained her good working relationship with producer Mojalefa Thebe on this project, which was released to record-breaking sales yet again – certified gold within 6 hours, platinum in 20 hours and double platinum in 48 hours.  Speaking of the only song that she did not write by herself , “Tribute“, which  was composed by Rethabile Silindela, pays tribute to fallen local music legends and is one track worthy of the repeat option in the stereo. The song also features Sivuyele and Mluleki Ndwalane on the vocals.

On collaborations, she ventured into a new experience all together in the songs: “Umfazi” (woman) and “Ina Mvula” (let the rain fall) with American-born jazz saxophonist and songwriter, Kirk Whalum. The pair met up in Los Angeles, where Whalum is based, to enable the mastering of the resulting two songs where Whalum adds that signature folk and country sound to compliment the Xhosa songstress’s beautiful lyrics and vocals. Notable tracks worth listening  to also include “Ndiveze” (reveal me), “Thembalam” which is guaranteed to dominate the wedding dance floors, the traditional-sound inspired and rhythmic  “Yhini” (Oh why?) and she rounds off the album with the gospel and soulful “God in the valley“. The band must also be credited for the phenomenal arrangements, keys, guitar, strings and overall sound of the album, outstandingly displayed particularly on the second track of the album “Ndiveze“. I am certain that “Mgodi” is well on its way to more accolades and nominations at the upcoming SAMAs.

A humble, rural country girl with a soulful story to tell. Many have found her music healing, inspiring and soothing. She has truly cemented her authority in the South African music industry and continues to be supported by thousands of loyal supporters – the sales are proof of this following. She also continues to prove how versatile, dynamic and talented she is across all her projects and I closely await to discover and receive more of her musical surprises in the near future. A musician who easily connects with the nation through her vocals and accommodates all with the diverse languages she employs in her albums is a treasure. Just like everyone else, she is not immune from personal life challenges that come with being on the spotlight but the true measure of a warrior is not on how deep one sinks into u-Mgodi but by how effortlessly one makes it out of it, with a story to tell, through music and with their head held high.

Zahara has come full-circle and is Mzansi’s very own soulful treasure.