Who Is Kelly Khumalo?

Kelly Khumalo is a South African singer and songwriter. She made her debut in 2003 with her hit album TKO. Since then, she has released several additional albums and singles, establishing herself as one of the most successful female artists in South Africa. Her powerful vocals and signature deep house sound have earned her critical acclaim both locally and internationally.

Early Life

Khumalo was born Enkosi Yamakhosi in the township of Umlazi, Durban in 1985. She grew up surrounded by music; her mother was a traditional Zulu singer, while her father was a passionate reggae fan. At the age of 7, Khumalo began singing in the local church choir. As she grew older, she developed an interest in hip hop and R&B music. She soon began writing her own songs and performing locally.

Career

In 2003, Khumalo released her debut album TKO. The album featured several hit singles including “Ibizo Lami” and “Shayi’numuntu”. In 2004, she released her second album Itshitshi, which featured the popular single “Asine”. The following year, she released her third album Ngeke Balunge. The album was praised by critics for its mix of traditional Zulu songs and modern hip hop beats.Over the years, Khumalo has collaborated with numerous artists including Senzo Meyiwa, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Riky Rick, and AKA. Her collaborations have earned her many awards including a South African Music Award for Best Collaboration in 2012 and a Metro FM Music Award for Best Dance Album in 2013.

Legacy

Khumalo is one of the most successful female artists in South Africa today. She has sold millions of records worldwide and has been praised for her powerful vocals and unique style of music. Her influence can be heard in many modern Zulu pop stars such as Zahara and Busiswa.