Kelly Khumalo
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Kelly Khumalo Biography
Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo (born November 11, 1984) is a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Born and raised in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, she was discovered while performing at a gospel talent search and signed a record deal with Bomsai Entertainment, released her debut studio album T.K.O (2005). She shot to fame after the release of her debut album T.K.O (2005). 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 award at the 19th South African Music Awards.
Khumalo's ninth album The Voice of Africa (2020), 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.
T.K.O (2005), Itshitshi (2006)Kelly debut solo album T.K.O was released on August 19, 2005, in South Africa, and earned her two nominations Song of the Year and Best Afro Pop album at 2006 South African Music Awards.
On September 27, 2006, her second studio album Itshitshi was released.
On November 5, 2012, The Past, The Present, The Future album was released in South Africa. At the 19th SAMA awards (2013) her album The Past, The Present, The Future won the Best Female Artist of the Year award.
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).
Kelly began recording her seventh studio album in March 2016. On October 28, 2016, her seventh studio album My Truth was released. My Truth won Best Female Album at 2017 Metro FM Awards.
In January 2018, Kelly began to work on her eighth studio album, and released it's lead single "Jehovah" on July 9, 2018, featuring J F.L.O.
In October 9, she announced second single "Dance Comigo" on her instagram, which was released on October 12, 2018.
On November 5, 2018, her album Unleashed was released in South Africa. The album was produced by Mondli Ngcobo.
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. 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. At 6th ceremony of All Africa Music Awards, her single "Empini" received nomination for Best Female Artist in South Africa.
"Esiphambaweni" featuring South African singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba, peaked number one in the gospel charts. 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.
In April 2022, Khumalo performed at her first annual Gospel Explosion Concert, includes two dates, 15-16 April held at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.
In April 28, following the success of 2 dates, she added one more date that will be held at Vaal on May 28.
TelevisionIn 2021, she started her reality show Life with Kelly Khumalo airs on Showmax.
In September 2021, she appeared on House of Zwide, television sopie airs on etv.
In September 2021, Khumalo was announced as Judge on Stand Up S.A.
Towards the end of 2021, she was a guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17.
In early April 2022, she was announced as a competitor on Tropika Island of Treasure, season 10.
ControversiesOn 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. 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. No evidence was found that leads to the murder case.
Personal life
Speaking out about having been in an abusive relationship, in 2012 she became an advocate against domestic violence. 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.
Discography
Studio albums
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
Awards and nominations
"Gospel Song Release - Esphambanweni featuring Dr Hlengiwe Mhlaba", AmenRadio, 12 Sept 2020.
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