Kelly Khumalo

Last updated

Kelly Khumalo
Nonhlanhla
Kelly Khumalo.png
Khumalo on a Podcast & Chill With MacG interview
Born
Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo

(1984-11-11) 11 November 1984 (age 40)
Vosloorus, Gauteng, South Africa
Other namesVoice of Africa
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • actress
  • TV personality
Years active2004–present
TelevisionLife with Kelly Khumalo

Rhythm City

Zulu Wedding
Partner(s) Senzo Meyiwa
(until his death; 2014)

Jub Jub (until; 2011)

Chad da Don
Children3

Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo (born 11 November 1984) is a South African singer, actress, and television personality. [1] She was Born in Vosloorus and later moved to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up.

Contents

Khumalo was discovered while performing at a gospel talent search and signed a record deal with Bonsai Entertainment, released her début studio album, T.K.O (2005). [2] She shot to fame after the release of her début album, T.K.O (2005). [3] She was named the Best Newcomer of 2005 in the Afro Pop music circuit. The Past, the Present, the Future album was released in November 2012. In May 2013, She scooped an award at the 19th South African Music Awards. [4] [5]

Khumalo's ninth album, The Voice of Africa (2020), [6] which incorporated elements of R&B, gospel and Afro pop. The album was certified gold in South Africa.

Life and career

Kelly Khumalo was born in Katlehong and moved to KwaZulu-Natal. She relocated to Gauteng in 1997. [7]

T.K.O (2005), Itshitshi (2006)

Kelly's début solo album T.K.O was released on 19 August 2005, in South Africa, and earned her two nominations, Song of the Year and Best Afro Pop Album at the 2006 South African Music Awards. [7]

On September 27, 2006, her second studio album Itshitshi was released.

The Past, The Present, The Future (2012), Back to My Roots (2014), My Truth (2016), Unleashed (2018)

On November 5, 2012, The Past, The Present, The Future album was released in South Africa. [8] [9] At the 19th SAMA awards (2013) her album The Past, The Present, The Future was nominated for Best Maskandi Album, Album of the Year, Best African Adult Album and won the Best Female Artist of the Year award. [10] [11] [12]

In October 2014, the single "Asine" was released and nominated for Song of The Year at Metro FM Awards (2015), and her album, Back to my Roots for Best African Pop Album and nominated for Best African Adult Album at South African Music Awards XXXI (2015). [13] [14]

Kelly began recording her seventh studio album in March 2016. [15] On October 28, 2016, her seventh studio album My Truth was released. My Truth won Best Female Album at 2017 Metro FM Awards. [16]

In January 2018, Kelly began to work on her eighth studio album, and released its lead single "Jehovah" on 9 July 2018, featuring J F.L.O. [17]

On October 9, she announced second single "Dance Comigo" on her Instagram, which was released on 12 October 2018. [17]

On November 5, 2018, her album Unleashed was released in South Africa. [18] The album was produced by Mondli Ngcobo.

2020–present: The Voice of Africa, Gospel Explosion Concert, From a God to a King

On August 28, her single "Empini" was released as the album's lead single. The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa with sales of 80 000 units and garnered 12 million views on YouTube. [19] [20] Her ninth studio album The Voice of Africa was released on October 9, 2020. Production was handled by Mondli Ngcobo. The Voice of Africa was certified gold with sales of 25 000 units in South Africa. [21] At the 6th ceremony of All Africa Music Awards, her single "Empini" received nomination for Best Female Artist in South Africa. [22]

"Esiphambaweni" featuring South African singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba, peaked number one in the gospel charts. [23] [24] [25] At the 27th South African Music Awards, The Voice of Africa received a nomination as Best Afro-pop Album.

In November 2021, she recorded The Voice of Africa live version. [26]

In April 2022, Khumalo performed at her first annual Gospel Explosion Concert, which included two dates, 15-16 April held at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg. [27] [28]

On 28 April, following the success of two dates, she added one more date that was held at Vaal on 28 May. [29]

In late August 2022, Kelly announced the From a God to a King tour, scheduled to start off on Saturday 17 September at Carnival City, Boksburg. [30] [31]

Khumalo also announced her 10th album, From a God to a King. [31] "Bazokhuluma" featuring Zakwe and Mthunzi was released on 4 November 2022, as the album's lead single. [32] The album was released on 14 February 2023.

Television

In 2021, she started her reality show Life with Kelly Khumalo airs on Showmax. [33] In September 2021, she appeared on House of Zwide, television soapie airs on eTV. [34]

In September 2021, Khumalo was announced as Judge on Stand Up S.A. [35]

Towards the end of 2021, she was a guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17. [36] [37]

In early April 2022, she was announced as a competitor on Tropika Island of Treasure, season 10. [38]

Controversies

On 26 October 2014, her boyfriend Senzo Meyiwa, former captain of the South Africa national football team and club side Orlando Pirates, with whom she has a child, was shot dead in her presence at her family's home in Vosloorus. [39] [40] It is alleged that the killer is known to Khumalo and everyone present at the shooting, but she has remained silent on whom the killer is.

In October 2020, five men were charged with murdering Meyiwa. [41] The suspects denied that they were involved in the killing. [41] It was also found that Kelly was communicating with one of the suspects through cellphone before and after the death of Senzo Meyiwa. [42]

In January 2025, news broadcaster eNCA reported Khumalo's death erroneously, after mixing up the artist with singer Winnie Khumalo, who had recently passed away. Khumalo criticized the broadcaster on social media after the error. [43] [44]

Personal life

Speaking out about having been in an abusive relationship, in 2012 Khumalo became an advocate against domestic violence. [45] She confessed to being a drug addict for at least two years during her relationship with the singer Molemo Maarohanye; she attended Narcotics Anonymous meetings. [46]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
TitleAlbum detailsCertifications
TKO
Itshitshi
  • Released: 2006
  • Format: Digital download, CD
Siyajabula
  • Released: 2007
  • label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD
Simply Kelly
  • Released: 2008
  • Format: Digital download, CD
The Past,The Present,The Future
  • Released: 2012
  • label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD
Back to My Roots
  • Released: 2014
  • Format: Digital download, CD
My Truth
  • Released: 2017
  • Label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD
Unleashed
  • Released: 2018
  • Label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD
The Voice of Africa
  • Released: 9 October 2020 [47]
  • Label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD, streaming
From a God to a King
  • Released: 14 February 2023
  • Label: Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: Digital download, CD, streaming

Singles

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
RSA
Undithatha Kancani2019 The Voice Of Africa
"Empini"20201 [25] 4× Platinum [24]
"Esiphambanweni" (featuring Hlengiwe Mhlaba)1 [24] 2× Platinum [24]
"Ngathwala Ngaye" (featuring Mondli Ngcobo)2021Platinum [24]

Filmography

Awards and nominations

YearAward CeremonyNominated workResultRef.
2013 SAMA Best Female ArtistWon [4]
Album of the YearNominated
Best African Adult AlbumNominated
Best Maskandi AlbumNominated
201514th Metro FM AwardsSong of the YearNominated [48] [49] [50]
Best Afro Pop albumNominated
2019 25th SAMA Female Artist of the YearNominated [51]
Best Afro Pop AlbumNominated
2020 1st KZNEA Best Female Artist of the YearNominated [52]
2021 27th SAMA Best Afro pop AlbumNominated [53]
Record of the YearNominated
SaafmaBest Song of the YearCancelled cross.svgCancelled [54]
Best Female ArtistCancelled cross.svgCancelled
Best CollaborationCancelled cross.svgCancelled
2021All Africa Music AwardsSongwriter of the YearNominated [55]
Best Female Artist in African Inspirational MusicNominated
Best Female Artist in South AfricaNominated
2023 Basadi in Music Awards Afro Pop Artist of the YearWon
SAMAFemale Artist of the YearNominated
Best Afro-pop AlbumNominated
2024Basadi in Music AwardsSofnfree Afro Pop Artist of the YearNominated [56]
Best Styled Artist of the YearNominated
Music Video of the YearNominated

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References

  1. ↑ "Hot facts about Kelly Khumalo that you may not know". 27 June 2019.
  2. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo". Music In Africa. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  3. ↑ "Get to know: Kelly Khumalo".
  4. 1 2 "Kelly Khumalo shines at the SAMA 19", e-Buzz, 14 May 2013.
  5. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo Scores Senzo Meyiwa’s Heart?" The Public News Hub, 7 July 2013.
  6. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo Releases New Album". 14 October 2020. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  7. 1 2 "Kelly Khumalo – Conference Entertainer". Speakers Inc. 5 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "The Past, The Present, The Future by Kelly Khumalo on Jaxsta - Overview". Jaxsta.
  9. ↑ "The Past, The Present, The Future Album by". MyMuze.
  10. ↑ Staff Reporter (13 May 2013). "Sama cheat sheet: All the big winners". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  11. ↑ wwcadmin (13 May 2013). "The SAMA 2013 Winners". GQ.
  12. ↑ Paula Luckhoff. "No-one is responsible for your happiness but you - Kelly Khumalo". 702. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  13. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo goes international". News24. CityPress. 18 February 2015.
  14. ↑ Sikhumbuzo Thabede (24 March 2015). "My Journey - #Kelly Khumalo". Biz Community.
  15. ↑ "KK comes clean with My Truth". Independent Online. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  16. ↑ "Metro FM Awards fire up musicians, politicians". Music In Africa. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  17. 1 2 "Kelly Khumalo's new single titled 'Dance Comigo' releases in three days' time". JustNje. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  18. ↑ Mkhabela, Sabelo. "Listen to Kelly Khumalo's New Album 'Unleashed' Featuring Vusi Nova and Kyle Deutsch". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  19. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (21 May 2022). "WATCH: Kelly Khumalo awarded several gold and platinum plaques". Independent Online. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  20. ↑ Bukola (4 August 2021). "Kelly Khumalo's 'Empini' hits 9million views". Fakaza News.
  21. ↑ Zwane, Nokuthula (20 May 2022). "Kelly Khumalo celebrates her album going gold". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  22. ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  23. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo enjoys number one song success". The Citizen. 28 October 2020.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 "Kelly Khumalo's 'Esphambanweni' hits the number 1 spot on 3 charts". www.iol.co.za.
  25. 1 2 Lwandle, Sibusisiwe (5 November 2020). "Kelly Khumalo: Singer's Empini track stays on top of charts". Briefly.
  26. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo stuns with live version of 'The Voice of Africa' album [watch]". The South African. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  27. ↑ Shumba, Ano (16 March 2022). "SA: Kelly Khumalo to host Gospel Explosion concert". Music In Africa. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  28. ↑ Naidoo, Sonri (15 March 2022). "Kelly Khumalo talks about hosting 'Gospel Explosion'". Independent Online. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  29. ↑ Maliba, Amanda (18 April 2022). "Khumalo extends run of Gospel Explosion concert to the Vaal". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  30. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (24 August 2022). "Kelly Khumalo set to embark on her From a God to a King tour – IOL". Independent Online. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  31. 1 2 de Wee, Naledi (22 August 2022). "'From A God To A King': Kelly Khumalo set to kick off music tour". The South African. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  32. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo Releases Bazokhuluma ft Zakwe & Mthunzi!". Trace. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  33. ↑ Bukola (29 July 2021). "Kelly Khumalo to air last episode of her show, 'Life With Kelly Khumalo'". Fakaza News.
  34. ↑ Lwandle, Sibusisiwe (28 September 2021). "Kelly Khumalo Jumps Back Into Acting, Bags Role on 'House of Zwide". Briefly. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  35. ↑ Tsewu, Siya (3 September 2021). "New family singing competition coming to SABC 2". South Africa: Drum.
  36. ↑ Israel A, John (1 November 2021). "Kelly Khumalo Pops As Guest Judge On Idols South Africa". Ubetoo. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  37. ↑ Nyhaba, Theo (22 August 2021). "Kelly Khumalo tipped to replace Somizi as 'Idols SA' judge". Sunday World. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  38. ↑ Maliba, Amanda (1 April 2022). "Kelly Khumalo back with Tropika Island of Treasure". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  39. ↑ Bongani Hans and Kutlwano Olifant , He died in my arms – Kelly Khumalo, IOL news, 30 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  40. ↑ Citizen Reporter and Sapa , Kelly Khumalo now welcome at Meyiwa's funeral, The Citizen, 30 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  41. 1 2 "Arrests, drama 6 years after S. Africa soccer star's killing". ABC News. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  42. ↑ "Justice for Meyiwa | Kelly Khumalo was 'sixth suspect'". www.enca.com. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  43. ↑ Mzandisi, compiled by Iviwe. "Kelly Khumalo slams eNCA for 'disrespectful' error as host mistakenly reports her death". Life. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  44. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo slams broadcaster for reporting she is dead". Jacaranda FM. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  45. ↑ "Toxic is an understatement, says Kelly Khumalo", The Sowetan, 2 November 2012.
  46. ↑ City Press. Archived 7 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine , ‘I was an addict’ – Kelly Khumalo, 8 February 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  47. ↑ "Kelly Khumalo The Voice Of Africa (TVOA) Album", Afrobeat ZA, 10 October 2020.
  48. ↑ "2015 Metro FM Music Awards Nominees List". 23 January 2015. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021.
  49. ↑ "Full list: Metro FM Music Awards nominees".
  50. ↑ "14th Metro FM Music Awards nominees announced". 26 January 2015.
  51. ↑ "All the 2019 SAMA winners". www.bizcommunity.com. June 2019.
  52. ↑ Bukola (17 December 2020). "See all the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". Fakaza News.
  53. ↑ Shumba, Ano (19 May 2021). "South African Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
  54. ↑ "Star-studded list of nominees for 2021 South African Afro Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. 7 May 2021.
  55. ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  56. ↑ Shumba, Ano (27 June 2024). "Basadi in Music Awards 2024: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 28 June 2024.

"Gospel Song Release - Esphambanweni featuring Dr Hlengiwe Mhlaba", AmenRadio, 12 Sept 2020.

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