Kelly Khumalo

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

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

(1984-11-11) 11 November 1984
Vosloorus, Gauteng, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Other namesVoice of Africa
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Actress
  • Entrepreneur
  • 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
Children
  • Christian Khumalo
  • Thingolenkosazana Khumalo
  • Expecting
Musical career
OriginJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Genres
Labels

She was discovered while performing at a gospel talent search and signed a record deal with Bonsai Entertainment, released her debut studio album T.K.O (2005).[2] She shot to fame after the release of her debut 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 on 5 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 debut 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 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

In August 28, her single "Empini" was released as 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 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 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 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 February 14, 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 sopie 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 captain of the South Africa men's 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 who 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 suspect through cellphone before and after the death of senzo meyiwa

Personal life

Speaking out about having been in an abusive relationship, in 2012 she became an advocate against domestic violence.[42] The singer confessed to being a drug addict for at least two years during her relationship with the singer Molemo Maarohanye, she attended Narcotics Anonymous meetings.[43]

Discography

Studio albums
List of studio albums
Title Album details Certifications
TKO
Itshitshi
Siyajabula
Simply Kelly
The Past,The Present,The Future
Back to My Roots
My Truth
Unleashed
The Voice Of Africa[44]
  • Released: 9 October 2020
  • Universal Music South Africa
  • Format: digital download, CD, Streaming
 RiSA: Gold
From A God To A King

As lead artist
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
Undithatha Kancani 2019 The Voice Of Africa
"Empini" 2020 1[25] 4× Platinum[24]
"Esiphambanweni" (featuring Hlengiwe Mhlaba) 1[24] 2× Platinum[24]
"Ngathwala Ngaye" (featuring Mondli Ngcobo) 2021 Platinum[24]

Filmography
  • Zulu Wedding (2017)
  • uSkroef No Sexy: In Kgantse And Kenny's Paradise
  • Life with Kelly Khumalo (2021)
  • Stand Up South Africa as Judge
  • Idols South Africa as Guest Judge
  • Rhythm City" as Sunay

Awards and nominations
Year Award Ceremony Nominated work Result Ref.
2013 SAMA Best Female Artist Won [4]
2015 14th Metro FM Awards Song of the Year Nominated [45][46][47]
Best Afro Pop album Nominated
2019 25th SAMA Female Artist of the Year Nominated [48]
Best Afro Pop Album Nominated
2020 1st KZNEA Best Female Artist of the Year Nominated [49]
2021 27th SAMA Best Afro pop Album Nominated [50]
Record of the Year Nominated
Saafma Best Song of the Year Cancelled [51]
Best Female Artist Cancelled
Best Collaboration Cancelled
2021 All Africa Music Awards Songwriter of the Year Nominated [52]
Best Female Artist in African Inspirational Music Nominated
Best Female Artist in South Africa Nominated
2023 Basadi in Music Awards Afro Pop Artist of the Year Won

References
  1. "Hot facts about Kelly Khumalo that you may not know". 27 June 2019.
  2. "Kelly Khumalo | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  3. "Get to know: Kelly Khumalo".
  4. "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. "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". 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". 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". Music In Africa. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  17. "Kelly Khumalo's new single titled 'Dance Comigo' releases in three days' time - JustNje". 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". 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 Newss". Fakaza News.
  21. Zwane, Nokuthula (20 May 2022). "Kelly Khumalo celebrates her album going gold | Channel". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  22. Hansen, Gabriel Myers. "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  23. "Kelly Khumalo enjoys number one song success". The Citizen. 28 October 2020.
  24. "Kelly Khumalo's 'Esphambanweni' hits the number 1 spot on 3 charts". www.iol.co.za.
  25. 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. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  27. Shumba, Ano (16 March 2022). "SA: Kelly Khumalo to host Gospel Explosion concert | Music In Africa". 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. 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". 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". Fakaza News.
  34. Lwandle, Sibusisiwe. "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 | Drum". 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". 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. "Arrests, drama 6 years after S. Africa soccer star's killing". ABC News. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  42. "Toxic is an understatement, says Kelly Khumalo", The Sowetan, 2 November 2012.
  43. City Press. Archived 7 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine, ‘I was an addict’ – Kelly Khumalo, 8 February 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  44. "Kelly Khumalo The Voice Of Africa (TVOA) Album", Afrobeat ZA, 10 October 2020.
  45. "2015 Metro FM Music Awards Nominees List". 23 January 2015.
  46. "Full list: Metro FM Music Awards nominees".
  47. "14th Metro FM Music Awards nominees announced". 26 January 2015.
  48. "All the 2019 SAMA winners". www.bizcommunity.com.
  49. Bukola (17 December 2020). "See all the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". Fakaza News.
  50. Shumba, Ano (19 May 2021). "South African Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
  51. "Star-studded list of nominees for 2021 South African Afro Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. 7 May 2021.
  52. Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 21 November 2021.

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

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