Shekhinah Biography, Early Life, Career, Music, Personal Life

17 January 2024

[Shekhinah/BellaNaija]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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Shekhinah Donnell, famously known as Shekhinah, is a prominent South African singer and songwriter known for her distinctive blend of R&B, soul, and pop music. With a career marked by chart-topping hits and accolades, she stands out as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in South Africa. Beyond her musical achievements, she is also a vocal advocate for women's empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights.

Shekhinah Early Life and Background

Shekhinah was born on October 2, 1994, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She grew up in a family with a strong musical background, which played a pivotal role in shaping her early musical influences. From a young age, she displayed a passion for music, and her talents extended to not only her soulful voice but also her piano-playing skills. Her journey into the world of music was further nurtured when she pursued studies in music performance at the Durban University of Technology.

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Shekhinah Musical Journey

Shekhinah's remarkable journey into the music industry began with her participation in the seventh season of the South African reality singing competition, Idols, in 2011. Although she finished in the top 32 of the competition, her performances garnered the attention of several record labels, which recognized her immense talent.

In 2016, she released her debut single, 'Please Mr.,' which catapulted her to stardom. The song not only became a commercial success but also claimed the top spot on the South African iTunes chart, solidifying her position in the music industry.

Subsequently, Shekhinah released a series of other successful singles that showcased her versatility as an artist. Her chart-topping songs, including 'Suited' and 'Different,' resonated with audiences and further established her as a formidable musical force.

In 2017, Shekhinah unveiled her debut album, 'Rose Gold.' The album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, earning her accolades, including the prestigious South African Music Award for Album of the Year. 'Rose Gold' served as a testament to her ability to seamlessly fuse elements of R&B, soul, and pop, resulting in an unforgettable sound.

Over the years, Shekhinah continued to captivate her audience with albums like 'Trouble in Paradise' (2019) and 'Foreplay' (2020), along with numerous hit singles, such as 'The Weekend' and 'Woza.'

Shekhinah's contribution to the music industry extended beyond her solo work, as she collaborated with renowned artists like Black Coffee, Nasty C, and Samthing Soweto, creating chart-toppers and earning a well-deserved place on major music festival stages worldwide.

Shekhinah Most Popular Songs and Albums

Some of Shekhinah's most popular songs include:
• 'Please Mr.'
• 'Suited'
• 'Different'
• 'Faded'
• 'All My Love'
• 'Summer Rain'
• 'Collide'
• 'Foreplay'
• 'The Weekend'
• 'Woza'
• 'Girl on Fire'
• 'Never Let You Go'
Her most renowned albums include:
• 'Rose Gold' (2017)
• 'Trouble in Paradise' (2019)
• 'Foreplay' (2020)

Shekhinah Career Milestones

Shekhinah has achieved a series of career milestones, including:
• Winning the South African Music Award for Album of the Year with 'Rose Gold'
• Becoming an influential voice in the South African music scene
• Performing at major international music festivals
• Being featured in Forbes Africa magazine

Shekhinah Personal Life

While Shekhinah maintains a private personal life, she is renowned for her fashion sense and glamorous lifestyle. Beyond her music, she uses her platform to advocate for women's empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights, establishing herself as a voice for social justice.

Shekhinah stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and an inspiration for aspiring artists in South Africa and beyond. Her remarkable career journey, marked by chart-topping hits, acclaimed albums, and a genuine commitment to social causes, cements her status as one of South Africa's most influential and respected musicians.