The disharmony between the family of the late South African singer Zahara’s fans and her family played out in dramatic fashion in Johannesburg over the weekend, after an event that was organised to celebrate her birthday flopped due to poor organisation.
Performers who were billed to take to the stage did not show up as what was meant to be a classy and elegant celebration turned into a drunken gathering at a pub the late singer reportedly used to frequent in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
Zahara passed away on 11 December at a private hospital in Johannesburg after struggling with a liver ailment.
Her death was preceded by squabbles between her loved ones, with the fights continuing after her death.
The latest conflict involves the singer’s family and the ‘Zahara Army’, a group of young people who were part of her team from across the country, as well as the late singer’s personal assistant Lisa Gwengxeka. They organised last Saturday’s event.
Zahara’s mother, Xoliswa Mkutukana, said it fitting that the event had flopped, as they should have joined her family for proper celebrations in the Eastern Cape.
“We told them to come to East London and not host anything in Joburg. What nonsense was that? It serves them right,” she said.
“We were just celebrating her life and did not plan to make a big deal out of it; we were not making any money, but we wanted to gather in her name and celebrate our friend’s life.”
Gwengxeka said the event did not flop, as they always meant it to be a lowkey affair.
“It wasn’t supposed to be a big thing anyway. It worked out fine. We celebrated her.”
