After 20 years in the music industry, award-winning singer Kelly Khumalo is marking the milestone with the release of her new album, Rebirth. The project, she says, is a raw expression of pain, resilience, and transformation.
In an exclusive interview, Khumalo spoke candidly about her career highs and lows, the lessons of motherhood, public scrutiny, and her enduring memories of late football star Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed in 2014.
On Two Decades of Music
Khumalo’s career began with her debut album TKO in 2005, which featured the breakout hit Qinisela. She recalls her first major performance at FNB Stadium during halftime at a Kaizer Chiefs vs Ajax Cape Town match.
“My song was big at the time, but nobody knew who I was. They just knew the song. I was very young. For me, it was about performing, not fame,” she said.But fame came quickly. “I knew I was famous when I couldn’t even stand in a bank queue without people fussing over me or pointing fingers.”
On Public Scrutiny and Growth
Having faced media storms and controversy, Khumalo admits her perspective has shifted with age.
“The Kelly today doesn’t care what people say or think. She is liberated, not defined by society or its expectations. I appreciate her far more than I did 10 or 20 years ago,” she reflected.
On Motherhood
The singer, a mother of three — Christian, Thingo, and Luna — says parenthood has been her greatest test.
“Motherhood is no joke. Anyone who says it’s beautiful all the time is lying. It’s for soldiers who are trusted by God because kids will test your faith, love, and patience,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she treasures the rare but powerful moments of joy. “My children mirror me, but they’re a better, upgraded version. I want them to live life on their own terms, not society’s.”
On Senzo Meyiwa
While controversy continues around the trial of Meyiwa’s murder — in which she remains a person of interest — Khumalo refuses to let it overshadow her career.
“I will not let my 20 years of hard work be clouded by something built by others. Case closed,” she stated firmly.
Still, she spoke fondly of their relationship.
“Senzo was the goofiest, most genuine person I’ve ever known — loving, giving, the best friend and brother I’ve had. Even when things got tough, love was still love between us.”
She recalled a playful moment that captured his personality:
“He poured his favorite drink, Fanta Pine, into two glasses and dared me to match his gulp. He said if I did, he’d marry me that day. I matched him, and he laughed, thinking I tricked him. The next day, he came home with a catalogue and asked me to choose a ring. That was Senzo.”
On Rebirth
Khumalo describes her latest album as both painful and transformative.
“I’m used to being in control, but this album wasn’t like that. It was spiritually abusive at times — but also a redirection. It felt like moving from darkness to light, breaking free. A metamorphosis. A rebirth into something new.”
Author: Linda .R. Jones
Senior Writer
London,UK
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