A New Beginning

Her rise to stardom reads like a fairytale. This year, slimmer and more confident, BULELWA ‘ZAHARA’ MKUTUKANA, 28, looks back at her phenomenal career as well as the new chapter that awaits her: being Amaza Ntshanga’s wife.

- Phila Tyekana

In just five years in the entertainment industry, Bulelwa Mkutukana’s star power compares to that of music icon Brenda Fassie. Zahara, as she’s popularly known, is the only artist after Mabrrr to have the fastest selling album in the history of South African music. Her debut album released in 2011, Loliwe, went gold in three days. More than 350 000 hard copies were sold in just four months. Her sophomore release Phendula and the current album, Country Girl – which was certified gold a day after it hit the shelves – also continue to top the charts. Who can forget back in 2012 when the singer won nine South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in one night, including Best Female Artist and Album of the Year?

In 2016, the musician laid the foundation for her new life – she’s spotting a new slick look with a slimmer body, and is engaged to Umhlobo Wenene DJ, Amaza Ntshanga. Clearly, 2017 will see a brand new side to Zahara. The singer has invited TRUE LOVE to her house for our interview. She feels it’s the right vibe for us to speak. She’s right; her home is tranquil, and offers spectacular views of Joburg. After a quick tour of the house, we settle down in her patio.