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In good time
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 At just 24-years-old, Zahara is rewriting South Africa’s music history books and smashing records. She’s marching to the beat of her own drum and loving every moment of it, writes Linda Mali.
It’s been two months since Zahara (real name Bulelwa Mkutukana) became the reigning queen of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) after winning eight awards. Between a trip to Mozambique and fighting off a flu bug, she found time to let us get to know the woman who’s fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in local music.
Congrats on winning eight SAMAs! Are you still on a high?
I’m very excited! I’m waiting for the trophies to come back from getting engraved, then I will create a shelf for them at home.
Where did your old name, ‘Spinach’ come from and how did it evolve into Zahara?
As a child I loved spinach, whether boiled with salt or creamed with feta – every meal had to have spinach! Teachers, classmates, friends and family started calling me Spinach and the name stuck. Once I got to Joburg, the name didn’t gel with the music and the image I had developed. We decided not to use my real name because so many talented female singers use their real names. We wanted a name that would represent me - someone original, who loves nature and flowers. We found the name ‘Zahara’, which is Arabic for ‘blooming flower’ and I loved it.
Your most memorable moment on stage?
Performing for Tata Mandela made my career! I was so nervous I even forgot my lyrics! After I sang he said [imitating his voice], ‘you are a special child, ushiye leso sginci mntanam [leave me your guitar my child]’. I also won’t forget coming home and performing at East London City Hall for the first time. That was the first time my parents got to really hear me sing. Dad stood from the first to the last song. It was incredible!
What’s the hardest part about fame?
Sometimes it feels as though my supporters think they own me, which can get hard. It’s as if I belong to South Africa and not just my family. It’s overwhelming, but it’s also a blessing to be a nation’s pride.
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Check out the awesome music video below:
To read more about this, check out Jet Club magazine's July/August issue.
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