Remembering South Africa's Fallen Artists

2 January 2024

[Costa Titch/BBC]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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The year 2023 saw the South African music industry lose several talented artists, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.

1. AKA: A Hip-Hop Legend Silenced

Kiernan Forbes, better known by his stage name AKA, was a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was considered one of the pioneers of South African hip-hop and had a significant influence on the genre's development in the country.

AKA's career spanned over a decade, and he released five studio albums, all of which achieved major success. He won numerous awards and accolades, including MTV Europe Music Awards and South African Music Awards. His collaborations with other artists, including Khuli Chana, Da L.E.S, and Nasty C, further cemented his position as a leading figure in the industry with songs like Sweet Fire.

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However, on February 10, 2023, tragedy struck. AKA was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban. His death sent shockwaves through the South African music industry and beyond. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and political figures, all expressing their grief and honoring his legacy.

2. Costa Titch: A Rising Star Extinguished

Costa Tsobanoglou, known professionally as Costa Titch, was a South African rapper, songwriter, and dancer. He rose to prominence in the early 2020s with his unique blend of Amapiano and hip-hop, creating a vibrant and energetic sound that resonated with young audiences.

Costa Titch's hit singles, including "Big Flexa" and "Nkalakatha," garnered millions of views on YouTube and established him as a leading figure in the Amapiano scene. He collaborated with major artists like Akon and was signed to Konvict Kulture, a record label founded by Akon.

On March 12, 2023, Costa Titch tragically died while performing on stage at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg. He collapsed during his set and was pronounced dead shortly after. The music industry was left reeling from the loss of such a promising young artist, and tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians.

3. Zahara: A Soulful Voice Falls Silent

Bulelwa Mkutukana, known professionally as Zahara, was a South African singer-songwriter with a powerful and soulful voice. She rose to fame in 2011 with her debut album "Loliwe," which earned her numerous awards and established her as a household name in South Africa.

Zahara's music was known for its unique blend of contemporary African sounds and gospel influences. Her songs often explored themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences across the country.

Unfortunately, Zahara faced personal struggles, including the tragic death of her brother and a battle with alcohol addiction. These challenges impacted both her personal life and musical career.

Despite her hardships, Zahara continued to release music and inspire others with her story. However, news broke that Zahara had passed away after a long illness on December 11. The music community mourned the loss of this talented artist, whose voice and music will be dearly missed.

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