Kelly Khumalo
- Birth name: Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo
- Born: 11 November 1984
- Place of birth: Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: Singer-songwriter, actress, dancer, entrepreneur, TV personality
- Musical genre: Afro-pop, gospel, R&B
Kelly Khumalo is a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer who became famous after her debut album T.K.O came out in 2005. She is also known for her roles in TV shows such as Life with Kelly Khumalo, and Rhythm City.
Career
Kelly Khumalo was discovered while performing at a gospel talent search and signed a record deal with Bonsai Entertainment in 2004. Kelly Khumalo released her debut album T.K.O in 2005, earning two South African Music Awards nominations. Her second album, Itshitshi, followed in 2006. In 2012, The Past, The Present, The Future won her Best Female Artist at the 2013 SAMAs. She collaborated with Robbie Malinga on “Sobabili.”
Her fourth album, Back to My Roots (2014), featuring the hit “Asine,” received two SAMA nominations. My Truth (2016) won Best Female Album at the 2017 Metro FM Awards with songs like “Uthando.”
She released Unleashed in 2018 and The Voice of Africa in 2020, which went gold in South Africa. Khumalo has also acted in TV shows including Life with Kelly Khumalo, Rhythm City, Zulu Wedding, and Idols SA.
Personal life
Kelly Khumalo has three children: Christian Khumalo, Thingolenkosazana Khumalo, and she also has a baby girl. She has had several high-profile relationships with celebrities such as Senzo Meyiwa, Jub Jub, and Chad da Don.
She has also dealt with several controversies and challenges in her life, such as being blamed for Senzo Meyiwa’s death by his family and some media outlets, being mistreated by Jub Jub, being addicted to drugs and being in conflict with her sister Zandile Khumalo.
Despite these hardships, Kelly Khumalo has stayed strong and optimistic. She has also spoken out about social issues such as gender-based violence, racism, and xenophobia.
Awards
Kelly Khumalo has won several awards throughout her career. Some of them are:
- Best Newcomer in the Afro-Pop music circuit (2005)
- Best Female Artist of the Year at the 19th South African Music Awards (2013)
- Best Female Album at the Metro FM Awards (2017)
- Afro Pop Artist of the Year at Basadi in Music Awards (2023)
Discography
Here is a list of Kelly Khumalo’s singles and albums, in chronological order from earliest to latest, along with the title and year:
- T.K.O (2005)
- Itshitshi (2006)
- Ngiyabonga (2006)
- The Past, The Present, The Future (2012)
- Sobabili (with Robbie Malinga) (2012)
- I Live for Love (2012)
- Back to My Roots (2014)
- Asine (2014)
- Somizi (2014)
- My Truth (2016)
- Uthando (2016)
- My Testimony (2016)
- Unleashed (2018)
- Jehova (feat. J F.L.O) (2018)
- Ngiyazthandela (2018)
- Dance Comigo (2018)
- Happiness (2018)
- The Voice of Africa (2020)
- Empini (2020)
- Ngathwala Ngaye (ft. Mondli Ngcobo) (2020)
- Undithatha Kancinci (2020)
- From a God to a King (2023)
