Teary Vusi Nova remembers his sister Zahara in touching tribute

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Vusi Nova , expressed his feelings of being cheated upon hearing the news of Zahara's death. "I feel like I've been cheated," says Vusi Nova. Zahara, whose real name was Bulelwa Mkutukana, passed away on Monday while surrounded by her family and loved ones.

The family released a statement on Tuesday, announcing Zahara's passing and describing her as their beloved daughter, sister, and friend.

"It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Zahara," read the statement.


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Vusi Nova shared with News24 the difficult two weeks he had spent going in and out of the hospital, visiting his friend. Witnessing Zahara lying in the hospital bed during one of his visits was particularly challenging for him.

In late November, speculation arose regarding Zahara's hospital stay, prompting her family to provide an update. They confirmed that the singer had been hospitalized for a week and expressed gratitude for the support they had received while expressing compassion for Zahara's situation. Vusi found this period to be emotionally taxing and chose to remember Zahara through their laughter rather than her hospitalization.

Vusi Nova and Zahara first met in 2017 at Zahara's house and had been inseparable since. It was Akhumzi Jezile, a former YoTV child star and producer, who introduced them a year before his own death. Vusi reflected on their connection, comparing Zahara's energy to that of the legendary Brenda Fassie, whom he had also spent significant time with before her passing. Although Zahara had not personally met Brenda, Vusi perceived a similar vibrant energy in both of them and regarded Zahara as an amazing human being.

"I don't remember the last time I cried so much than in the past two weeks.

"I've been crying all the time because I've been visiting her every single day and [some] days were better than others.

"I pray to God that the last two weeks of her being in the hospital don't stay stuck in my head. I certainly hope I can hold on to all our great memories because we have so many."

The pair met in 2017 at Zahara's house and have been inseparable since.

It was YoTV child star and producer Akhumzi Jezile who got the two together a year before he died.

"I was introduced to her obviously through the music, but to get to know her personally, I got a call from Akhumzi.

"He said, 'Bulelwa is always talking about you. She loves your music so much, she loves you, and she's good enough for me to bring you around to her house'.

"I said, 'let's just do it', and we came through. I can tell you right now, the glow that is a superstar that people who play the music see, all of that was just enhanced."

Vusi said Zahara reminded him of the legendary Brenda Fassie because he also spent much time with Brenda before she died.

"I thought she lived in an era where she also knew Brenda Fassie, but she didn't. She's never met Brenda.

"But somehow, these people have the same energy, and I'm saying that because I know both of them. We don't know what we had. She was an amazing human being."

During the conversation, Vusi became emotional and paused briefly to gather himself before continuing. He described Zahara as someone who embodied care and mentioned that he would miss her calling him "ubhuti" (big brother), a term of endearment. Vusi acted as a protective brother figure, meeting Zahara's boyfriends and making it clear that he was a constant presence in her life. He appreciated Zahara's vulnerability when she was around him, likening it to a childlike nature where she could freely be herself and command a room with her laughter.

He adds he will miss hearing her call him ubhuti (big brother), and as per the title, Vusi acted accordingly.

He says he would meet her boyfriends, who were instructed they had to accept him or take a hike.

"Every single person she's dated has always known that she has a brother called Vusi that's not going anywhere, and she'd even say it out loud."

Earlier in the year, Zahara got engaged to her partner, engineer Mpho Xaba, after six months of dating. The proposal took place at her home in Johannesburg, with close family and friends in attendance. Zahara had been preparing for her one-woman show, "Zahara: The Healing Women Concert," and had recently performed in Canada. The show was scheduled for September 23, 2023, at Carnival City's Big Top Arena in Johannesburg.

Vusi expressed deep sadness over Zahara's passing, noting that her life was finally falling into place. She had made positive decisions for her health, including stopping drinking, and was ready to start afresh. Vusi felt a sense of injustice, as he believed Zahara had so much more to offer in her music career. He described her as an exceptional talent that comes along once in a lifetime, and her loss was felt not only by him and their family and friends but also by South Africa and the global music community.


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