QUICK FACTS | |
Birth Name:
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Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo |
Occupation:
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African Afro Pop and Gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer.
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Date of Birth
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11 November 1984 (age [age]19841111[/age] years)
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Place of Birth
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Spruitview, Katlehong, Gauteng |
Nationality:
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South African |
Gender:
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Female
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Parents:
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Ntombi Khumalo (mother)
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Sister:
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Zandi Khumalo
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Ex-boyfriend:
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Jub Jub, Prosper Mkwaiwa, Chad Don and Senzo Meyiwa
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Kelly Khumalo is a South Africa African, singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer best known for hit songs such as Empini, Esphambanweni and Ngathwala Ngaye.
Who is Kelly Khumalo?
Kelly Khumalo, full name Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo (born 11 November 1984, Spruitview, Katlehong, South Africa) was raised in Nquthu KwaZulu-Natal. However, she is originally from Johannesburg , Gauteng.
While performing at a gospel talent search, she was discovered and signed a record deal with Bomsai Entertainment. In 2005, she released her debut studio album T.K.O. Following the success of her debut album, Kelly became famous.
Career
On August 19, 2005, Kelly debut solo album T.K.O was released in South Africa. The album earned her two nominations Song of the Year and Best Afro Pop album at 2006 South African Music Award.
Following the huge sucess of her debut album, she released a second studio album Itshitshi ion September 27, 2006.
Later in November 5, 2012, she released The Past, The Present, The Future album. The project won her the Best Female Artist of the Year award at the 19th SAMA awards in 2013.
In October 2014, Kelly released a single “Asine” which got her nominated for Song of The Year at Metro FM Awards (2015).
Also, her albumBack to my Roots which was released alongside “Adobe” got nominated for Best African Pop Album and for Best African Adult Album at South African Music Awards XXXI (2015).
Kelly released her 7th studio album “My Truth” on October 28, 2016, after several months of recording. H the album won Best Female Album at 2017 Metro FM Awards.
After two years, Kelly stated working on her 7th album, but released a lead single “Jehovah” in July 9.
Later, she announced a second single “Dance Comigo” in October 12th.
On November 5, 2018, her album Unleashed produced by Mondli Ngcobo was released in South Africa.
Kelly Khumalo TV Show
Also, as a TV personality, the singer started her reality show Life with Kelly Khumalo airs on Showmax in 2021.
Later, she features on House of Zwide, television sopie airs on etv network. She was also a judge on Stand Up South Africa .
She was a guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17. Early April 2022, she announced she’s a competitor in the season 10 edition of Tropika Island of Treasure.
Controversies
On 26 October 2014, Kelly Khumalo boyfriend and baby father, Senzo Meyiwa, a captain of the South Africa men’s National was shot dead.
The incident happened in her presence at her family’s home in Vosloorus. It is alleged that the killer is known to Khumalo and everyone present at the shooting.
However, since the tragic incident, Kelly has remained silent on who the killer is. Also, no evidence is found to lead to the culprit.
Personal Life
Kelly dated Late Senzo Meyiwa before his tragic death. Also, she spoke about bring in abusive relationship.
Also, she dated singer Molo Maarohanye for two years however the couple broke up cause of undisclosed reasons.