MUSICIAN Masikane Sfiso became popular as the man who publicly proposed marriage to Zahara in 2013 and had been in love with her for years.
He had promised to pay 15 cows if Zahara ever accepted his proposal.
In 2021, Zahara finally made his wish come true and went to Mpumalanga to meet him.
They eventually got into the studio and recorded music together.
More than that, they formed a friendship.
Masikane (45) said Zahara's death has left him heartbroken.
"I spoke to Daily Sun about my wish to meet Zahara, and DJ Sbu saw that article and spoke about it on the radio. Zahara eventually heard about it and made my wish come true," he said.
"So, in 2021, she decided to visit Mpumalanga to meet this Swati guy who wanted to marry her. We got along so well and decided to get into the studio together. We spent three days together. It was a dream come true for me to be with Zahara."
He said he learnt a lot from the late Loliwe singer.
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"Our aim was to exchange cultural diversity. She also taught me a lot about music. It's hard for me to hear that the woman who owned my heart for so long is gone. I loved Zahara.
"It's such a big loss because we were planning big things. I'm planning on hosting something to celebrate her life here in Mpumalanga," he said.
Masikane, a Satma-winning musician, has recorded a tribute song for Zahara.
"It's a song of respect, love and comfort. It's also comforting for me because I'm still coming to terms with her passing. It's available on YouTube," the singer said.
Zahara (36) died on 11 December after being hospitalised for a little over a week.
"We mourn the death of Zahara. It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend Zahara, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Zahara left this world on Monday, 11 December 2023. She was a pure light and an even purer heart in this world," the family said when confirming the news.
She will be buried on Saturday, 23 December in East London, Eastern Cape.
