'I'll pay 15 cows for Zahara'

AND his love for her has grown so strong that he is determined to make her his wife. He has even offered her family lobola of 15 cows.

Sifiso Simelane (32), a successful artist from Swaziland, said when he first saw Zahara on TV a little voice in his head said: "That is your wife".

He believes it was God talking to him and he will pay 15 cows valued at about R100 000 to make the queen of afro-pop his wife.

Last year, Sifiso won a South African Traditional Music Achievement award for his great singing and his album sold more than 13 000 copies. But instead of concentrating on his music, Sifiso spends his time obsessing about Zahara!

"I dream about her having my children and living a quiet life in Swaziland with me," he said.

"I have stopped living my own life. My mind is always working on ways to get her attention," he said.

"When I go to her shows I always look my best, hoping I might meet her."

He said her management always spoil his dreams.

"They refuse to let me get near her so I can talk to her," he said.

He said he owns all Zahara's music and has spent R30 000 attending her concerts.

"I always find out when her concerts are so I can go," he said. "I listen to her music wherever I go and I keep her latest CD under my pillow at night."

Sifiso said his family have given him their blessings to find love with Zahara.

"They see I'm determined to carry her guitar one day and they have given me 15 cows to pay for lobola."

But Zahara herself has poured cold water on Sifiso's hot dreams: "Thank you for the support, but at the moment I am focusing on the Phendula tour and promoting my album within the continent so I cannot commit myself to any relationship."