Kelly Khumalo Releases Her 11th Studio Album “Rebirth”
South African Soul music star Kelly Khumalo has once again captivated audiences with the release of her highly anticipated 11th studio album, Rebirth.
Known for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances, Khumalo continues to solidify her place as one of the leading voices in the South African music industry.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has broken boundaries and touched millions with her powerful voice and compelling storytelling. Now, with the release of her eleventh album, Rebirth, Kelly marks a pivotal milestone — not just in numbers, but in personal and artistic transformation.
Kelly Khumalo | SUPPLIED
Rebirth comes nearly two years after the release of her acclaimed record, From a God to a King. The previous album, which featured successful singles, was well received and showcased her growth as an artist. The album captures the essence of her journey—emerging renewed, enlightened, and stronger than ever. Each track delves into themes of resilience, spiritual awakening, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.
THE CONCEPT OF REBIRTH
The concept of “rebirth” holds significant meaning in the Christian faith. Rebirth refers to a deep spiritual transformation that occurs when an individual accepts God as their Saviour. This process is often described in the Bible as being “born again,” symbolising a fresh start and a new identity rooted in faith.
She explains: “Experiencing rebirth means recognising and embracing who you truly are, understanding your purpose, and acknowledging your unique calling in life. It is not simply about changing one’s behaviour but about a profound shift from living for oneself to living in alignment with God’s will. Through this transformation, you become a vessel for a higher power.”
“When you undergo rebirth, you no longer operate from a place of self-centredness. Instead, you are guided by the spirit and purpose that God has chosen for you. This new way of living empowers you to speak life into other people’s lives, inspire positive change, and fulfil the calling you were meant for.”
Rebirth album cover | SUPPLIED
The creation of Rebirth was a collaborative effort, bringing together acclaimed producers Mondli Ngcobo and David Mutanda from Kinshasa. The collaborative process fostered experimentation and growth, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and rooted in tradition. Each contributor brought a unique perspective, amplifying the album’s message of unity and transformation.
Kelly chose nine songs for her new album, intentionally aligning the number with the nine months of pregnancy to symbolize a journey of rebirth. She explains that this concept resonates with experiences that are universally relatable. The creative process behind the album spanned two years, during which Kelly and her team faced challenges, including the loss and rerecording of some songs because they were lost in the system.
The album is crafted to excite her diverse fan base, offering messages of hope and empowerment. Kelly shares that her followers are warm, spiritual individuals who have overcome hardship and need reminders of their strength and resilience.
What makes the album truly unique from previous ones is the inclusion of the song “Mangingakhohlwa,” a gospel track that holds special significance for the artist. This song was gifted to her by her own grandmother, who Kelly describes as one of the great songwriters and singers.
Kelly Khumalo | SUPPLIED
Mangingakhohlwa
The song resonates deeply with those who have lived through trials and triumphs. It is a tribute to the enduring strength of women who don’t merely observe life from a superficial perspective but instead seek its deeper meaning. The older generation, especially women who have walked hard roads, understand the significance of remembering one’s journey—each hardship, each lesson, and every moment of grace.
The song’s heartfelt message centres on gratitude and remembrance. Even when life is filled with beauty, comfort, and the allure of glitz and glamour, there is an ever-present danger of forgetting the path that led to such moments. The prayer echoed in these lyrics is simple yet profound: “May I not forget how far I have come with you, even when life is so beautiful.”
Izimpunyela – (an epitome of a wealthy man)
“Izimpunyela – Love Song” tells the story of a wealthy man who has introduced a woman to a life full of luxury and glamour. The narrative centres on the woman’s heartfelt plea for her partner to maintain this lavish lifestyle and continue showering her with affection and material pleasures. The theme explores the allure of opulence and the emotional bonds formed through shared experiences of comfort and indulgence.
Izibusiso
“Izibusiso” takes listeners on a reflective journey through the singer’s life and captures the transformation from different struggles to a state of self-acceptance and flourishing. Ultimately, it celebrates the realisation of being both blessed and a blessing, embracing one’s growth and the sense of fulfilment that comes with overcoming adversity.
Kelly Khumalo | SUPPLIED
Kusobala
This is a word of Zulu origin, meaning “it is clear” or “it is evident.” The speaker is emphasizing that what follows is obvious or self-explanatory. The singer speaker attributes their strength, peace, or success to the act of praying at 3 am—a time often regarded in many spiritual traditions as a powerful moment for reflection and connection with the divine.
Here, the speaker suggests that others are free to interpret their actions as they wish. However, the speaker asserts that they themselves are not a contradiction; meaning, their actions and beliefs are consistent and authentic from their own perspective.
Nganeno
Kelly is describing “Nganeno” as a love song directed toward God, rather than a human romantic interest. This highlights a sense of divine love that transcends human understanding or definition.
She anticipates that listeners may mistakenly assume the song is about romantic love between people but clarifies that the love described is unique and spiritual. The statement, “A human cannot define how I see love,” underscores the idea that the speaker’s experience of love is profound, intangible, and beyond ordinary human concepts.