Kelly Khumalo Reflects on Music, Motherhood and Late Boyfriend Senzo Meyiwa

JOHANNESBURG — 22 August 2025

Singer Kelly Khumalo has released her album “Rebirth” to mark 20 years in music, reflecting on her journey through fame, motherhood, and loss.

In a Sowetan interview, Khumalo called motherhood her defining role while raising three children – Christian, Thingo and Luna – from previous relationships. (Sowetan)

“Motherhood is no joke. Every mother who says ‘Oh, motherhood is beautiful’ is lying. Motherhood is not for the faint-hearted; it’s for soldiers who are godly trusted because kids will test your faith, love and patience,” she said.

She added: “The beautiful moments are very few, but when they come, they make up for all the hardships… What I want for them is not to let their lives be defined by society, but to live according to what they want.”

Khumalo spoke openly about her late boyfriend Senzo Meyiwa, killed in 2014. “He was the goofiest yet most genuine person… That was one genuine relationship that broke down the walls from my upbringing and allowed me to love.”

She shared a specific memory: “He poured his favourite drink, Fanta Pine, into two glasses. He dared me to take a gulp and match his drink level, saying if I did, he’d marry me that day… The next day, he came home with a catalogue and asked me to pick the ring I wanted.”

The artist said she now lives freely: “The Kelly today doesn’t care what people say or think of her… She is a liberated being, not defined by society.”