South Africa: 'She revolutionised the music industry': TK Nciza, others pay tribute to Zahara at memorial service

Singing sensation Zahara's former record label bosses TK Nciza and Sbusiso "DJ Sbu" Leope spoke fondly of the artist they helped break into the music industry as mourners gathered to pay tribute to the late musician at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Thursday afternoon.

The 36-year-old died earlier this week, surrounded by family and loved ones, after she was admitted to the hospital over "physical pain" last month.

"She was 23 when I met her in the Eastern Cape. I just saw, I don't know, I think God gave me something to always see something great, so I saw something great in her the first second she played the guitar," Nciza told News24.

"We interacted, and we developed a father and daughter relationship."

Zahara was signed to Nciza and DJ Sbu's TS Records when she broke into the music industry with her smash hit and debut album's titular track, Loliwe, in 2011.

"She was a special person, and I think South Africans should focus on celebrating what Zahara did – she took the country to the world," the now politician said. "She will always be a special person to me. In the last few years, we've been talking because she always referred to me as dad because she knows where she and I come from, and we've done great things."

When I say she revolutionised the music industry, I mean it in the true sense of the word. We sold tons and tons of albums, and it was an amazing period – a young girl from the Eastern Cape came to revive the spirit of musicians because, without music, there is no connection. Black people love their music, whether they are happy, sad, or struggling, and she sang the type of music that moved people.

Though Nciza said they had been talking "in the last few years", Zahara and her former label bosses had a public fallout in 2019 when, according to Sowetan, the Loliwe hitmaker alleged she was underpaid for her performances, record sales and royalties when songs from her debut album were played. Nciza and DJ Sbu have both denied the allegations.

"When Zahara was alive, I responded to some of the allegations, but now, I can't speak for someone who cannot speak for herself. What I know is that when she passed on, we were in a good space because we knew what we meant to each other," Nciza said. "We both know what we have done and achieved together. We stood the test of time and brought great things to South Africans, and they celebrated what we did. It healed people."

A word from DJ Sbu

Speaking of his former artist, DJ Sbu said he was heartbroken by Zahara's death, adding it was a "challenging time" for everyone.

"She's my younger sister, and I've never stopped loving her all the way until now," he said. "People have their own opinions, and they should. They should hold us accountable because they knew her through us, so it's well understood whether they say negative or positive things."

She's a musical icon. She's ranked up there with icons like Brenda Fassie and Mama Miriam Makeba. Her music healed people, made people happy, and inspired them. Her life inspired millions of young South Africans coming from villages to believe that they can achieve their dreams as well and become successful through their passion and talent.

DJ Sbu further said he was saddened that the musician died at an early age. He said she still had a lot of life left to live.

"I thought I'd see her on stages at 50, 60 and 70 because her music transcends time. She's one of those people whose music will forever be relevant," he said. "It's just sad that she had to pass on at such a young age."

'Don't joke about someone else's downfall'

Elsewhere during the memorial service, her friend Somizi Mhlongo called out people in the entertainment industry for not being there to support the musician when she faced challenges in her personal life. Aside from her music, Zahara also made headlines for her alleged alcohol abuse and when her home was on the brink of being repossessed by the bank.

"Chances are, 80% of the people in this room haven't seen Zahara in months, but we flew and drove from everywhere in the world and made an effort because she's gone, and it's not because we didn't know what she was going through, even before she went to hospital," he said. "We have failed her, and we owe her an apology, and I'm one of the people who owes her an apology."

Mhlongo then recalled when he hosted the South African Music Awards and joked about Zahara's drinking. He said he realised later that he hurt her, and they were, fortunately, able to make amends and reconcile their friendship.

"The biggest lesson I've learned, and I hope everyone in this room learns, is to not ever laugh or make a joke about someone else's downfall. If you can't help, shut up; if you can't contribute positively, shut up," Mhlongo continued. "People on social media also keep saying we've lost an icon, but did you treat her like an icon? I don't think so."

A husband in mourning

Zahara's husband, Mpho Xaba, said she restored his faith in love in his final love letter to his dearly departed love and wife.

The pair got engaged in March this year and tied the knot traditionally last month.

"What groomed scepticism and questions, as well as inequity to those who felt like they held a moral high ground to the institution of love, inadvertently led to the reception of a love so strong filled with adoration, affection, attachment, infatuation, care, devotion and all things warm and fuzzy," he said. "I will forever cherish all the moments I got to spend with you."

Among those who spoke were Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the musician's family members. Musicians such as Judith Sephuma, Ringo and Brenda Mtmabo performed in honour of the multi-award-winning artist's life.

This article originally appeared on News24.