Eleven months after the passing of celebrated South African beer-loving singer Bulelwa "Zahara" Mkutukana, two separate birthday tributes highlighted the contrasting ways her memory is being honoured.
While her family held a low-key celebration in East London, a Johannesburg gathering organised by the "Zahara Army" – a group of young people who worked with her – and her personal assistant, Lisa Gwengxeka, took a decidedly different turn. What was intended as a classy affair ended up being described as a drunken mess at a Roodepoort pub, a stark contrast to the family's more subdued commemoration, but then, after all, Zahara was a well known beer-lover!
The Johannesburg event, which took place on Saturday, November 9th, was attended by friends, including actress Letoya Makhene. However, according to a source present at the party, the planned musical performances by various artists failed to materialise.
"As planned by the organisers, the artists were billed to sing at did not perform," the source revealed, hinting at a lack of organisation or perhaps a less-than-successful event.
This discrepancy in tone between the two celebrations is further emphasised by the contrasting reactions of those involved. Zahara's mother, Xoliswa Mkutukana, openly expressed her disapproval of the Johannesburg event, stating her preference for the family's more private tribute in East London.
"We told them to come to East London and not host anything in Joburg. What nonsense was that? It serves them right," she declared.
This statement reveals a clear rift between the family and those who organised the Johannesburg event, highlighting the differing perspectives on how best to remember Zahara.
However, Xoliswa’s criticism didn't entirely dismiss the intention behind the Johannesburg gathering.
"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," she explained.
This statement suggests that the family's intention was to honour Zahara's memory in a personal and meaningful way, without the fanfare or potential commercialisation that might have been associated with a larger event.
Lisa Gwengxeka, Zahara's personal assistant and a key organiser of the Johannesburg event, offered a more conciliatory perspective. When questioned about whether the event was a failure.
"It wasn't supposed to be a big thing anyway. It worked out fine. We celebrated her," she responded.
This statement attempts to downplay any negative aspects of the event, suggesting that the focus remained on celebrating Zahara's life, regardless of the less-than-ideal circumstances. However, the contrasting descriptions of the event – a "drunken gathering" versus a "fine" celebration – suggest a significant difference in perception.
