Guest Author 
Oscar. H Blayton
Bunmi Adekunle
CareTaker 
Codrin Arsene
Aba Boy
Dave O'Cube
Don Thieme
Emmanuel.K. Bensah
Ella Romanos
Charles E.
Holli Holdsworth
Misi Coker
Nzingha Smith
K A-T
Pamela Stitch
Sokari Ekine
Samantha Ofole-Price
Tomas Ernst
Thomas Gowans
Veronica Henry
Vic 
Oluwole Akindutire
Xcroc 
William J. Zick
Up Close and Personal With Kelly Khumalo
Kelly Khumalo, our South African songstress burst into the limelight during the Cruz gospel concert in 2003, where she wowed the crowd with the gospel song, U Jesu’ phakeme (Jesus is Almighty). From there, all knew that Kelly Khumalo was here to stay. Kelly’s song from her first cd, Qinisela, is still having heavy play on many African radio stations and I knew that I just had to speak to this woman who easily mixes afro pop with house and a little bit of gospel.
Meet Kelly Khumalo South African Afro pop songbird:
Pammy: How did you get your first big break into music?
Kelly: I was one of the finalists at a gospel competition and I was fortunate enough that one of the judges was a producer. After, the competition, he looked for me and asked me to join his label – which I did. The rest is history.
Pammy: From what I heard – your participation in that competition was controversial?
Kelly: Yes. I dressed in a way that was not acceptable to the Christian community – bikini and jeans. So that was the big controversy. But I still came third though.
Pammy: How many cds do you have?
Kelly: Three (3) albums out right now. TKO, Itshitshi, Siyajabula.
Pammy: How have they been doing in South Africa?
Kelly: They have been doing very well. The first and second went gold respectively. We have sold a couple of tens of thousands of the third one and we’ve only been out 3 weeks.
Pammy: Your new cd has a gospel track in it and I know that you are a Christian. Do you find it difficult mixing religion and music?
Kelly: Personally, I do not find it difficult. I believe God gave me a talent so I can make a living out of it. I see this as my career, I am an entertainer. At the end of the day – this is all entertainment. My belief system is not compromised in anyway.
Pammy: On the personal front: do you find it difficult balancing your personal life with your musical career?
Kelly: It can be difficult because it is hard keeping your personal life secret from your audience. They want to know who you are seeing, what your going through etc. Sometimes, they find it difficult to accept that there are people who do not want to be in the limelight apart from when they are performing.
Pammy: Are you currently seeing anyone?
Kelly: Yes, I am engaged to Prosper Mkaiwa and we have been engaged for 6 to 8 months now.
Pammy: How did you guys meet?
Kelly: Well, I was to perform at a concert that he was organizing. I came two hours late and he did not want me to perform. I insisted on speaking to him. I wanted him to tell me to my face why I could not perform after coming all the way out there. So he came, he met me and finally allowed me to perform. We exchanged numbers after the event and the rest is history.
Pammy: Do you intend to have kids anytime soon?
Kelly: Not quite yet. I am more focused on getting my music heard world wide.
Pammy: What challenges do you face being a musician?
Kelly: The major one is exploitation by recording companies, marketers etc. You have to have a keen business sense so you do not get taken advantage of. To combat this exploitation, I set up my own company. This company was set up to build young talents and to also produce quality artists. Another challenge I face is from my audience, sometimes it is difficult for our listeners to understand that we are human and we make the same mistakes just like everyone else. We should be allowed to have our moments of weakness.
Pammy: Do you have a strong support system?
Kelly: Yes, I will say so. My family is very supportive of my music. At first, they weren’t. They wanted me to be a lawyer. But I found out that I derive more joy from entertaining people. I get so much pleasure from the business of music. Being behind stage, getting myself psyched to perform. I am passionate about music.
Pammy: I love that song, qinisela. What is it about?
Kelly: It is about polygamy in Africa and the issues that men go through trying to keep all their women happy. My grandfather had two wives and I am anti polygamy. I believe one man should be with one woman. There is no need to share one’s husband.
Pammy: In the video for that song, we see the young man go to a traditional healer for help. Do you believe in traditional medicine?
Kelly: I am a Christian so I never got to meet those people but I know that a lot of Africans believe and go to them for help.
Pammy: So what is the next big thing on your to do list?
Kelly: I am starting up a Kelly Khumalo foundation for HIV infected kids. I am still looking for sponsors. I will still keep on promoting young artists. I will be in a South African soap about the music industry. I am excited about that because it paints a true picture of the struggles that young artists go through.
Pammy: What words describe you?
Kelly: Fun loving, hard worker, unpretentious.
Pammy: What does Kelly do for fun?
Kelly: Sleep, hang out with my friends, go clubbing.
Pammy: Which artists can you say is your major influence?
Kelly: Unfortunately, they are all dead. I loved the late Brenda faisse and most especially the late Lebo Mathosa. Lebo’s craft was perfect. She really inspired me.
Watch Kelly here:
Muti This
busisiwe | Oct 20, 2007 | Reply
i want to join pro kelly cos i bealive its the best pls give me contact details
Pammy | Oct 21, 2007 | Reply
Hi Bussiwe,
Send me an email at pamelastitch@yahoo.com
WINNIE | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
I REALLY LIKE KELLY KHUMALO. PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO CRITICISE AND PUT HER DOWN BUT SHE ALWAYS PUT HER CROWN UP.
YOU GO GIRL
Tumza | Nov 13, 2007 | Reply
Truly speaking-kelly wa mpolaya-Ke batla go ratana le wena-Respond pls!
Mfanafuthi | Nov 19, 2007 | Reply
Hi Kelly
U rock girl keep it up
emmanuel | Jan 28, 2008 | Reply
you are the best and you are so beutiful keep up the good work babes love eb
Dalingcebo | Jan 29, 2008 | Reply
u Kelly uyashaya!Cha bafethu uyangichaza.Music and herself
she seems strong,i wish she is cause to me she reminds me of sis ma brendana Fassie
clemence jokonya | Feb 2, 2008 | Reply
kelly u re gorgeous I saw u shorts perfoming in botstwana, when re u coming to uk.
pammy | Feb 8, 2008 | Reply
Ok, I have gotten some of the hate comments from fellow south africans about Kelly Khumalo.
Please, stop yourselves before you type your rubbish here.
Kelly, is cool peeps! She is doing great things. Her music is known outside of her region of Africa and for that she should be applauded.
End Of Story.
Thembani | Feb 14, 2008 | Reply
Hi there kelly!i would lyk 2say happy valentines day..
Im writting u dis bcoz uve a great talent and ure da sexiest creature ive never seen in ma lyf.
I jst felt i can atleast talk2u da tym uwere perfoming@da base Hillbrow 2006 dat was osum enjoy
Thembani | Feb 14, 2008 | Reply
hi again! if u wish2chat with here is email tbvaloyi@yahoo.com
Genuine | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
I really love this girl, she rocks and sexy and girl you know how to look after yourself. I could say your man is really feeling proud to have you around. I wish i had the opportunity to meet you in personal. Your smile girl make me melt on TV. All the Best in Your Career and keep it up and With all the blessing from The All Mighty.
Zandza | Mar 27, 2008 | Reply
kelly I love u gal do wat u do & thina we love 4 dat. U rock sweetheart!!
mzansii gurl sugar | Apr 9, 2008 | Reply
kelly ur a great chiic keep yah siingiin up spot onn
mutwa | May 1, 2008 | Reply
as for me i think she sucks.how dare her!but most of all she is kak ugly
zanele mutwa | May 1, 2008 | Reply
my love u r not hot at all.no one really likes u its just that people like seeing ur jelly bums.and as for ur husband how can he marry someone like you!i think he is after ur money,WAKE-UP BITCH!
Michael masha | May 1, 2008 | Reply
hi kelly I LOVE YOUR HOTTIE AND NICE…KEEP IT UP BABY UNFORTUNATELY I DONT KNOW WHERE U LEAVE LOVE U K.KHUMALO
KIDEO | May 6, 2008 | Reply
I LOVE HER AND HER MSIC IS GREAT. CAN SHE CALL ME BACK IF SHE CAN MY NOM ARE 0715177023
THABO | May 8, 2008 | Reply
High Kelly
Kelly i know your diary might be full,but if you can find time and respond on my e-mail i wold realy apriciate that.I would like to meet you one day,just to talk to you face to face,take a photo with u.You are real AFRICAN WOMAN and proud of you.
You music rocks.please reply please.
pammy | May 10, 2008 | Reply
Kelly will be interviewed on SARFM next week Saturday. Please, send your questions to pamelastitch@yahoo.com
Buhle Mashaya | May 15, 2008 | Reply
hey kelly you must wear pefect sisi you are old enough to wear what you are wearing,try to make it better love,what would your parent or reletives say when they see you like this.
Pammy | May 17, 2008 | Reply
Today at 3 pm – Kelly, SARFMRADIO.Com
Omotaylor | May 18, 2008 | Reply
@BuhleMashaya, I watched the video and although I dont understand the language, believe that Kelly was trying to tell a story. Her sexy bedroom dressing I believe was part of the story which gives a picture of a woman desiring her man the Western way but did not succeed and then dressed the South African way, she seemed to have a success story. Maybe I am wrong in this interpretation. Nevertheless, there was nothing shameful or belittling in Kelly’s dressing , even in the picture above. So please give Kelly a break and let us enjoy African Beauty and success without putting her down.
Kelly, go on doing what you do best. I am a matured woman and find you RESPECTABLE.
Karabo | May 29, 2008 | Reply
wooooooooooooooooo! uyababa sisi,where do u liv,i am 25 years of age,tall,not to dark in complexion,muscular and probably every thing would want in a man and MORE!!!
Makhosini Khumalo | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Hie kelly l am your brother and l live in Zimbabwe ,do you mind if l pray for you.give me yr email address and l will email my photo.You make the khumalo clan in the whole of southern africa proud.
Hlon'phani Ndwandwe | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
Hi Kelly! I’m one of your supporter.I want you to know one thing nothing you can do for a jeolous person because always they want to see down all to found they don’t know where are you from until where you’re now so please don’t be discouraged by those stupid people who don’t even know east and west.I’m willing to meet you because I won’t give up I want to marry you.
Steve | Jul 18, 2008 | Reply
Kelly babes,you rock,otota o le motle,sexy body,nice legs,your lips gal shoo! you dress sexy and that goes well with your body. Please come around Klerksdorp sometimes…please dont stop being what you are.keep it up
zikhona | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
hi sisi ndiyakuthanda wethu Im yo big fan qha jonga indlela onxiba ngayo pls
xoks | Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
the way she dress thats very nice,even i like her when she perfomes at stage wearing that preaty dress of her.
sk | Aug 1, 2008 | Reply
hey kelly
u know that day you were perfoming i felt like i can just lift you and just put it in ..ooh jesus…will u gve me if i ask you?
tshepo a.k.a papos | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
girl you make africans go mad,your unique,singing,dressing,personality and your smile.ya bomb…. if you can plsss halla at me at 0842479406.my wish is to watch you perfoming cause everytym i watch you in media u alwys makeme tick.girl your hoooot nomatter what they say.just that girls are jerlous of you cos we as man loooove you.keep it up
Meggie | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Hey Kelly…I don’t really know you so well, but you seem really interesting. I’m doing a project at school, we were going to do dancers(which is IMPOSSIBLE!) so i rather chose an actress! I was roaming on the internet when i saw your name’Kelly’ which is my surname(looks like we got something in common, gal!) So if you could PLEASE PLEASE send back, like a autograph, info or picz it would be AWSUMLY GREAT!!! Thanx so much! S
Stay in touch, doll!
Luvies…Meggie….PLzzzzzzzzzz, reply back…:)
bubu | Sep 8, 2008 | Reply
HI! sista i think u r doin good thing 4 u n people will say wat ever they want 2 aslong the is a progress in ur live I say big-up 2 that. Tell me wat happended 2 u @ rhytem city r in still there r wat?
ishe | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
hi kelly what u do is very embarassing pls stop doing this to our youth
sbu magesh | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
hi kelly i jst wanted 2 tel u dat wa rocka….yooh especialy amathanga wakho ashisa njengo pelepele
sbu magesh | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
hey kelly jst wnt 2 tell u dat keep up the good work .i wish you i cud b ur boyfriend cause washisa….u remind me of the olden dayz in kzn when my brother used 2 say 2 ladies lyk u ….dudlu baby onganabaskidi uyangena e-market,ongana shukela uyaliphuza itiya…zala bantu ziyebantwini akukho ntombi engaqoma inyamazane skhona…..2 all of u who wanna chat with me my email is tsibusiso@gmail.com
sbu magesh | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
dam kelly u hot, i would mind dating you. i am still young but you know fresh and strong. respond please
Itumeleng | Oct 24, 2008 | Reply
She is not bad at all, infect she seems like a great person, but next time she must wear something underneath when she is going to perform!
moses | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
It is good always pple to show thier true colours,so that we can know them very well,now i knowi can not go to the show with my kids when she is performing
Xolani | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi kelly! U knw i have whch 3 things in lyf. 1 is to meet u and ask u 2questions,,, kelly ur the tough gal i.ve ever seen b4, please keep it up. Plz respond 2my e-mail 2show if u got my msg… I love u multiplied.
glory | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
i love you kelly and i think you are so real. you go gal make the most of it.
MOBIGGER | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
HELO KELLY ITS ME AGN GO TO LUCASDEVAIN@DEVAINTART.COM TO SEE MY WRK LIKE I SAID I WUD LOVE TO DO A PAINTING OF U SUM TYM B4 I DIE ITS A DREAM OF MYN TO DO SO KEEP UR CUTE FACE AN FINE BODY UP
Nomsa | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Hi Pammy
My name is Nomsa and i live in PTA.Well a have a request that my younger sister would love me to for her.
Her name is Nontokozo and she’s doing her last year at high school,so meaning it’s the year of matric dance on the 24th April.Her theme for her look for that night is something along the line of the 60s,70s and 80s.She saw a dress kelly was performing in at the Metro fm awards,she was performing the patapata song.She loved that design and has been trying to remember and make a similar design.
Please help me on this one.I would like to know who designed that particular outfit or where can i get the similar dress? We have looked around Pretoria and she does like any of the stuff that we saw.
Regards
Nomsa
Juniel | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Kelly Khumalo is not serious when she says she is a christian. How dare she performs with no underwear and is reckless about her postures when she is before the Audiance? Did Christ tell us to do that
thembela | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
hey queen follow your style and your haert don not worry about people
kim | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
to all the peeps who hate her got to hell. she has brought up herself to be where she is. she has a heart and good persona .You do not even know her in person and you waste your breathe insulting a talented woman who is making her money with out begging for it.
she is beautiful and sexy……..you are the ones who have saggy bums or your girlfriends and wives. NOT ALL WOMEN HAVE THAT BODY YOU HAVE TO WORK IT. piss off and get a life KELLY KHUMALO IS HOTT VERY HOT I LOVE HER AND AM A BIG FAN
kim from Equatorial Guinea
msizwest | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
KELLY 2 me u r the definition of sexy u look good especially with no underwear and when u play with your behind u drive me crazy make me loose it & want to grab it just passing out my comment no offence
msizwest | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Klly hi and bye
koketso | May 28, 2009 | Reply
GUYS DON’T GET ME WRONG.I REALLY LOVE KELLY KHUMALO.IT IS NOT FUNNY AND MY FRIENDS THINK THAT IM INSANE.I FANTASISE ABOUT HER. AND WHENEVER SHE IS ON TV EVRYTHING COMES TO A STAND STILL.GIRL IF I COULD MEET YOU ONE DAY AND GET JUST A HUG FROM YOU.ALL THE BEST WITH EVERYTHING YOU DO.
Thwane Morudu | Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
Please we want 2 bring Miss Kelly next 2 her fans at Bela Bela community hall on 26 September 2009 4 indoor performances just send us quotation for her bookings just inclose all the neccessary cost, travelling and transport.We shall be hosting Mr Bela Bela 2009 on that day.
Robert Saul | Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
kelly is one of the weman i like,love very much,to me she like my favourites galz that is the late Brenda Fassie,Late Lebo Matosa and also my Janet Jackson.Gal you are the “STAR“When ever i hear bad things about you baby i just don`t care,they can talk untill they stop.I wish i can win some competitions that will say i must go for a dinner wth you one day,so that you can tell me everything suchas answering my questions like how do you cope when you hear some lies about you sisi.
sbu | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
u go girl i like u and more esp ur music
Al capone | Jun 21, 2009 | Reply
Hey khumalo,i just tel u fews thg,i lyk ur voice,u r beautiful n young,u can stil go far.all my budiez r crazy abt u.u r fantastic.i luv u.plz dnt let us down
BONGUMUSA | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
hi Kelly u rock girl,what u are is a gift from god & what u will bcome is a gift to god, i wish i can see you personal 1day
Mesuli Madonsela | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
Hi Kelly
My ex school mate you rock!
Boeza | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
You rock girl if i have to say so myself,
Keep it up….
The Gal | Sep 16, 2009 | Reply
I was at Kelly’s party last year in November at Illovo, she was wearing a G-string which had leaves to cover her p*ssy, she had a leaf on each nipple covering them, and a transparent material around her neck, that was ALL she was wearing.
I don’t like her because on the same night she was throwing herself at my man (to no avail ofcos), her attitude stinks and she was kak drunk.
No I’m not jealous because of her sexy body or her voice, don’t get me wrong.
I totally agree with the below
“Kelly Khumalo is not serious when she says she is a christian. How dare she performs with no underwear and is reckless about her postures when she is before the Audiance? Did Christ tell us to do that” – Juniel
Boeza | Sep 16, 2009 | Reply
I mean if u got it flont it girl ,its ur body and believe u me i love it and don’t let people put u down ,people has always something to say , wether u do the right things or not …ur still wrong in peoples eyes…
but as far as im concerned i love ur attitude and ur the most strongest women i’ve ever seen…..JY KOOP NIE GESIG! KELLY
ZINYOKA | Nov 16, 2009 | Reply
i lv u kelly and i wish dat 1 day we will meet. i lyk what u are doing on de stageand plz just ignore de silly comments dat are made about u.
Trina35Norman | Mar 8, 2010 | Reply
People in the world take the business loans from various creditors, because it’s simple and comfortable.
mbuso | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
i lov you gal.wish i could meet u.
Triple D | Jun 10, 2010 | Reply
Hey KELLY MY NAME IS Duma im from east london i just want to tell you that i love your music so much and you to of cause, people say alot about but that doesn’t change the way i feel about you. i ould like to take this time to congratulate on your first born child Christian. love you gal keep it up mhwaaa…..
musa | Jun 30, 2010 | Reply
to tell u the truth i love u babes u ar hot, i dont know how i can say it but u rocks.hav a nice relationship and if it fails jus let me know,coz im feeling the heat.
kully | Aug 26, 2010 | Reply
Vo ku jelezela sesi,u rock