Zahara Biography: Real Name, Age, Songs, Net Worth, Husband, Instagram, Meaning, Pictures

Biography

Bulelwa Mkutukana (born November 9, 1987), addressed as Zahara, is an acclaimed singer and songwriter from South Africa. She catapulted to fame after securing a coveted record deal with TS Records. 

Her debut album, Loliwe, released in 2011, achieved tremendous success by attaining double platinum certification. Undeterred by the pressure to follow up on her initial triumph, Zahara released her second album, Phendula, in 2013. 

This album, Phendula, proved equally successful, boasting three chart-topping singles, namely Phendula, Impilo, and Stay.

Zahara
Zahara: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Bulelwa Mkutukana
Stage Name:	Zahara
Born:	9 November 1988 (age 35 years old)
Place of Birth:	East London, South Africa
Nationality:	South African
Education:	N/A
Height:	1.75 m
Parents:	Mlamli Mkutukana, Nokhaya Mkutukana
Siblings:	Nomonde Mkutukana, Mbuyiseli Mkutukana, Mbangedwa Mkutukana
Spouse:	Not Married
Boyfriend • Partner:	Ian Sibiya (ex.), Mnyamezeli Japhta
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Singer • Songwriter
Net Worth:	$1 million-$5 million

Early Life & Education

Zahara, the creative musician, born on November 9, 1987, is from the Phumlani Informal Settlement, located outside of East London in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Zahara‘s parents are Mlamli Mkutukana and Nokhaya Mkutukana, the sixth of seven children. 

Nomonde Mkutukana, Mbuyiseli Mkutukana, and Mbangedwa Mkutukana are among Zahara‘s siblings. 

While Zahara has yet to reveal any information about her educational background beyond high school, her talent and career as a musician have surely made her a well-known figure in South Africa.

Career

Zahara‘s musical journey started when she was young, singing on the streets of East London. She was eventually noticed by Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza from the group TKZee and signed a record deal with TS Records in 2011.

Her first album, Loliwe, was released that same year and became a huge success, selling over 300,000 copies. The album received critical acclaim and earned Zahara awards for Album of the Year and Best Female Artist at the 2012 South African Music Awards.

Zahara has released an additional four albums since her initial debut. These albums include Phendula (2013), Country Girl (2015), Mgodi (2017), and Nqaba Yam (2021). It is worth noting that all of Zahara‘s albums have achieved platinum certification in South Africa.

Additionally, she has been recognized for her musical talents with many awards, including 17 South African Music Awards, three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Award.

Zahara has partnered with several artists, such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Salif Keita. Moreover, Zahara has graced renowned festivals worldwide, like the Glastonbury Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Awards and Nominations

Awards

• 17 South African Music Awards (SAMAs)
• 3 Metro FM Awards
• 1 Nigeria Entertainment Awards

Nominations

• 29 South African Music Awards (SAMAs)
• 5 Metro FM Awards
• 1 Nigeria Entertainment Awards

Social Media

• Instagram handle: zahara (@zaharapop)
• Twitter handle: ZAHARA (@ZaharaSA)
• Facebook: Zahara

Personal Life

Previously, Zahara had been in a relationship with Ian Sibiya, and they marked their second anniversary together in 2019. However, their relationship came to an end afterwards. 

Zahara has moved on and is currently involved in a new romance with Mnyamezeli Japhta. She has openly expressed her desire to be in a relationship with a pastor and has even dropped hints about possibly getting married to him soon.

Zahara has no children together. The 35-year-old Zahara celebrates his birthday every November 9.

Discography

• 2011 Loliwe 
• 2012: The Beginning Live 
• 2013: Phendula 
• 2015: Country Girl 
• 2017: Mgodi 
• 2021: Nqaba Yam

Net Worth

Zahara‘s net worth is around $1 million to $5 million. This astonishing figure is a testament to her immense success and popularity as a female musician in South Africa.

Zahara has undoubtedly achieved great financial prosperity through her flourishing music career, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished artists in the country.