Zahara show pays homage to her brother

AWARD-winning singer, Zahara, will honour her late brother this weekend when she hosts a number of fun activities at Phumlani Location today.

Zahara’s brother, Mbuyiseli Nana Mkutukana, was found dead with multiple bullet wounds near their village in 2014.

Since then, the singer has hosted a creative arts day at their village in memory of him.

Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch yesterday, Zahara said her brother was an aspiring dancer who had dreams of teaching others in their community.

“We were both passionate about the arts. I used to do plays for the kids and beauty pageants before I became a professional singer.

“I know it was my brother’s dream to teach people how to dance, and now I get to do something in his honour,” the singer said.

She also added that her parents were proud of the work she was doing in her community.

“Everyone in the village is excited, it is busy here, we are preparing for the weekend,” she said.

“I am also happy that I get to do something like this in honour of my brother and my community.”

Zahara said it broke her heart to see young lives being destroyed in her small village.

“You would think because this is a small area that there wouldn’t be any crime but there is and it’s high.

“My brother died because of that and I hope by doing this we can get the youth to dream again,” she said, adding that many young people in the area had lost all hope of living a better life.

“We see young girls who think their calling in life is to twerk or wear skimpy shorts.

“We need to get them to dream again and chase those dreams,” she said.

The singer has financed the activities for the day herself over the past two years.

“We are blessed this year as the department of arts and culture has come on board,” she said.

Event manager, Oyama Dyosiba, said the event hosted by the Zahara Army Projects was aimed at encouraging the rural youth to look beyond their circumstances.

“This is a celebration of young, creative people who are proud of who they are.

“There will be dance competitions, sports, music and fashion designers showcasing their clothes,” said Dyosiba.

Today will see the young people playing various sports at the Phumlani Playgrounds and later a concert will be held at the community hall.

And of course, the community will get to see Zahara perform.

Tomorrow, Dyosiba said they would hold indigenous games for children and another concert, featuring Zahara and her sisters. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za