Zahara and Somizi. Images via Instagram @somizi, @ZaharaSA
‘Keep your flowers’: Somizi slams those who mocked Zahara [watch]
‘People celebrated her downfall. People used to make fun of her situation’: Somizi has spoken out following the passing of Zahara.
Zahara and Somizi. Images via Instagram @somizi, @ZaharaSA
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has condemned all who made a mockery of Zahara while she was still alive.
The award-winning Afropop singer – real name Bulelwa Mkutukana – passed away on Monday, 11 December, after being hospitalised for almost three weeks, allegedly due to liver complications.
ALSO READ: RIP: Hilarious video of Zahara butchering the national anthem [watch]
SOMIZI ON ZAHARA’S PASSING
Zahara had previously trended on numerous occasions over speculation that she was performing under the influence. She also opened up about her depression and disclosed that it was the cause of her excessive drinking.
In a video he shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday morning, Somizi addressed the culture of respecting people only when they have died. The former Idols SA judge slammed people who are only giving Zahara her flowers now that she is no more.
“When I heard Zahara is in hospital and she’s not in a good condition, I thought, should Zahara not make it (God forbid) I know for sure Zahara is going to be an overnight hero, icon. People are going to be saying how she was gone too soon, how she was amazing, how she was an amazing vocalist.
“Yet we know that in reality she was one of the most mocked personalities. People celebrated her downfall. People used to make fun of her situation. We knew she had her share of hardships. But she was hardly given her flowers,” he said.
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Somizi called on people to respect life more, adding that he is not absolving himself from the behaviour he is addressing as he, too, is guilty.
“Can you imagine how beautiful the world would be if we celebrated and respected life and each other? That is the only thing that we are guaranteed because we do not know what happens after death,” Somizi continued.
“You have to die for you to be acknowledged, more respected, more honoured and to be given your flowers literally and figuratively. People buy more flowers at funerals than in real life. People give you more flowers in your death than in real life. People acknowledge you more when you are dead than when you are alive… If that’s how we’re going to be, then keep your flowers.”
ALSO READ: Family member suspects Zahara was bewitched
MEMORIAL SERVICE DETAILS
The 36-year-old Loliwe hitmaker’s life will be remembered on Thursday, 14 December, at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg between 11:00 and 14:00. Thereafter, her family will transport her body back home to the Eastern Cape, where her funeral service and burial will take place at the weekend.
ALSO READ: ‘Drama’ between Zahara’s family and her fiancé Mpho Xaba
In a statement on Tuesday, the Mkutukana family described the Phendula hitmaker as a pure light and a blessing to the world.
“She was a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift and a blessing to us and countless people around the world.
“A legendary figure in the world of music, Zahara remarkably touched millions of people’s lives with her extraordinary gift and passion for music. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the music industry and a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts and souls.”
