A Gospel Search Concert Discovered Kelly Khumalo and Her Musical Brilliance

South African artist Kelly Khumalo. Photo/The Citizen

By Teresa Wairimu

South African artist Kelly Khumalo is undoubtedly the unstoppable voice of Africa gracing your screens as a songstress and as an actress.

Born on November 11, 1984, in Katlehong, all she ever saw in her life was greatness. But she didn’t know it would come from the entertainment industry.

She spent years in Katlehong and later relocated to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal where she defied all odds of growing up in a small town to becoming an iconic figure in South Africa’s music industry.

Kelly's musical odyssey began with an innate gift that set her apart from the crowd. Her childhood, marked by a love for singing, laid the foundation for a remarkable career. It wasn't until she relocated to Gauteng in 1997 that her destiny took a turn toward the spotlight.

The world first caught a glimpse of her extraordinary talent at a gospel talent search. This led to a record deal with Bonsai Entertainment, catapulting her into the limelight. Her debut studio album, "T.K.O," released in 2005, marked the genesis of what would evolve into a sensational musical career.

Kelly Khumalo Rise to Fame

With the release of "T.K.O," Khumalo's star soared to new heights. The Afro Pop music circuit recognized her as the Best Newcomer of 2005, setting the stage for a series of musical triumphs. Her second studio album, "Itshitshi," released in 2006, further cemented her status as a rising star.

As the years unfolded, her musical evolution became evident with each album release. "The Past, The Present, The Future," dropped in 2012, earning her the prestigious Best Female Artist of the Year award at the 19th South African Music Awards.

Subsequent albums, including "Back to My Roots" (2014), "My Truth" (2016), and "Unleashed" (2018), showcased her versatility and growth as an artist.

In 2020, Khumalo mesmerized audiences with her ninth studio album, "The Voice of Africa." Combining R&B, gospel, and Afro pop elements, the album not only earned critical acclaim but also achieved gold certification in South Africa.

The single "Empini" emerged as a chart-topper, receiving a gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa and amassing an impressive 12 million views on YouTube.

Her impact extends beyond the realm of music. In April 2022, she curated the Gospel Explosion Concert, which revealed more about her spirituality and artistic expression. This marked a pivotal moment in her career as she showcased her prowess in a genre that holds a special place in her heart.

As if her journey couldn't get more exhilarating, she announced her 10th album, "From A God To A King," along with an accompanying tour.

The lead single, "Bazokhuluma," featuring Zakwe and Mthunzi, was released in November 2022, setting the stage for the album's official launch on February 14, 2023.

All through her artistic career, the celebrated South African music legend says she has leant about the power of resilience and excellence in equal measure.

Her pursuit for success in Mzansi’s entertainment industry paid off handsomely with her equally successful acting career.

Download Kelly Khumalo Music for FREE on Mdundo

https://youtu.be/5jLf5mz4TP4