Zahara, a South African pop singer famous throughout the African continent, has died. She was just 36.
The "Afro-soul" singer died from complications of the liver stemming from an alcohol addiction.
Her sisters are having difficulty coping with her tragic death, which came as the singer was looking forward to new opportunities.
Her sister Bandezwa Mkutukana said they remained hopeful she would recover until the end.
"We had a lot of plans during her time in hospital and we really had hoped she was going to recover."
“She was just signed up by a new recording company and was planning to go overseas in February. Her future was promising and I can say her future was too bright, she was favored by God."
The singer passed away Monday in Johannesburg weeks after her family said she was admitted to the hospital for an undisclosed issue.
"She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world," her family said.
The self-taught singer-songwriter and "country girl" was a beloved figure in South Africa, with numerous best-selling and award-winning albums under her belt. She became an African pop sensation with the 2011 album "Loliwe," which means "train."
“She inspired us with Loliwe,” South African Music Awards spokesperson and former music journalist Lesley Mofokeng told TV channel Newzroom Afrika. "You could not ignore Loliwe. Her voice could reach the heavens.”
The record became the second-fastest selling album in South African history, behind “Memeza” by Brenda Fassie, known as the "Madonna of the Townships."
Zahara's songs were full of her Christian faith and the memory of apartheid - she performed for Nelson Mandela at his home before he died.
She was also known as a critic of violence toward women, which she described as widespread throughout South African culture.
The South African parliament said it "was difficult to accept the news of Zahara’s passing," while Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said Zahara "made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music."
Born into rural poverty, Zahara sang in English and in her native language, Xhosa - the indigenous tongue famous for its clicking sounds.
Music came naturally to her.
"All along I was just using my ears,” she said.
