Afro-pop powerhouse, whose powerful songs earned her multiple platinum-selling albums in South Africa had so much going for her before she fell sick and passed away on Monday night. She reportedly suffered liver complications that landed her in a coma for more than a week. ZiMoja can confirm that Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana had just gotten married traditionally to her beau Mpho Xaba on 12 November, three days after she celebrated her birthday. The Loliwe hitmaker was also supposed to start shooting the second season of her reality show this month.

Her husband-to-be Mpho proposed to Zahara in March with a custom-made ring after dating for only six months. At the time, Mpho said that they met through a mutual friend at a family gathering and that he immediately fell in love. "I was a little intimidated because I knew who she was. I knew for me to approach her, I needed to be sure about my intentions," Mpho said, adding that she loved her as she accepted who he was without judgement. According to a source close to the family, Mpho was by Zahara's side when she passed away and is devastated and hurt. "He is not coping at all; he did everything he could but God had other plans for her," adds the source. Another source says the family is currently divided as her mom still believes that her daughter was poisoned by a family member, who is jealous of her during because she was going to get married. "She still believes that her daughter was poisoned all because of jealousy," adds the source.

A source close to the late singer says SABC 1 granted her a second season to her reality show. "She was given a second season before she got sick," According to the source, producers loved the direction her life was taking and that viewers wanted more of her. The source says the plan was for Zahara to feature her marriage and how she had evolved as a musician. An insider says they looked forward to seeing her grow as a musician and businesswoman. When Zimoja called for a comment yesterday, SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo said it was too soon to comment. "I think it is too soon to comment, given the fact that she only died on Monday," said Mmoni.

Since last year, the award-winning singer started getting gigs with her fans always asking for more. One of the most memorable performances was in September at the Healing Women Concert at Carnival City in Boksburg. She mesmerised her fans with songs from her album, Nqaba Yam. She also sang songs from her debut album much to the fans' joy. Some fans paid tribute to her on social media and shared that she had the honour of witnessing her last performance, which was emotional and heavy.