Zahara’s life and death has been compared to another iconic female singer – Brenda Fassie.
Images via ALEXANDER JOE, RODGER BOSCHA, AFP
Modern-day Brenda Fassie? Uncanny similarities between Zahara and ‘MaBrrr’
Despite them living in two different eras, fans have pointed out eerie similarities between the life and death of Brenda Fassie and Zahara.
Zahara’s life and death has been compared to another iconic female singer – Brenda Fassie.
Images via ALEXANDER JOE, RODGER BOSCHA, AFP
South Africans are comparing the tragic life and death of Zahara to another iconic singer who died nearly two decades ago – Brenda Fassie.
On Monday, 9 December, the Loliwe singer died after a long battle with liver complications. She was only 35 years old.
ALSO READ: ‘May her soul haunt you’: Zahara fans call for DJ Sbu boycott
FANS COMPARE ZAHARA AND BRENDA FASSIE
In tributes posted on social media, many fans of Zahara compared her to the talented Brenda Fassie, who died on 11 May 2004.
One tweep posted: “Zahara’s passing, reminiscent of Brenda Fassie’s, is deeply saddening. May she rest in peace.”
Another tweeted: “Rest in Peace legend. The only artist to have come so close to Brenda Fassie comparison.”
A third added: “Zahara sits on the same table as Brenda Fassie. Icons”
Others compared her to other late great female entertainers like Lebo Mathosa and TK Mhinga, who both died in their prime.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SINGERS
Here are a few similarities between Zahara and Brenda Fassie
Talent in leaps and bounds
Both women were multi-award-winning stars known for their songs that evoked strong emotions amongst their fans.
They both also had that “X factor” that set them apart from the rest.
Unapologetic personalities
Brenda – known as MaBrr or the Black Madonna – was loud, proud, and unapologetic. So was Zahara, whose social media ramblings often made headlines.
Struggles with substances
Brenda was known for her addiction to cocaine and other drugs. According to the BBC, she checked into rehab over 30 times in her life.
In a 2020 interview on the TV show Dinner With Somizi, Zahara admitted to previously abusing alcohol.
She said: “I had to deal with what led me to drink because the problem was not the alcohol. The problem was what led me to drink.”
Exploited by record label?
According to public opinion, Brenda Fassie was “exploited” by music producer Chicco Twala as Zahara was reportedly given the short stick by DJ Sbu of the now defunct TS Records.
Untimely death
Brenda Fassie was just 39 years old when she died from an alleged drug overdose.
Zahara was 35 and reportedly died from liver complications linked to heavy drinking.
