Rethabile Khumalo announces upcoming album “Kwelizayo”

Acclaimed South African singer Rethabile Khumalo is set to release her highly anticipated third studio album, “Kwelizayo”, a deeply personal and emotional tribute to her late mother, Winnie Khumalo.

South African musician, Rethabile Khumalo. Image: Supplied

Kwelizayo has been a long-developing project, shaped over several months as Rethabile navigated the profound loss of her mother. The album captures a journey of grief, healing, and self-discovery, offering listeners an intimate look into her emotional world while telling stories that resonate with many who have experienced loss, resilience, and growth.

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Through this body of work, Rethabile steps into a more vulnerable and authentic version of herself. Each track reflects relatable life experiences, moments of pain, strength, and hope positioning the album not only as a musicaloffering, but as a source of healing and a voice of reason for her audience.

The album embraces South Africa’s rich cultural diversity, incorporating multiple languages including isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Sepedi, allowing Rethabile to connect more deeply with a broad spectrum of listeners. In a particularly poignant moment on the album, Rethabile includes a special track featuring a pre-recorded contribution from Winnie Khumalo before her untimely passing. This emotional piece captures the essence of their bond and tells a powerful story of legacy, love, and continuity - from the very beginning of Rethabile’s career to her journey forward without her mother.

Speaking on the album, Rethabile Khumalo shares: “I have been quiet for some time, my mother paved the way for me - it’s now my turn to turn a new leaf as I rediscover how to build my own legacy from where she left off. Though she may not be here physically, I want to make uMa proud.”

Kwelizayo stands as more than just an album - it is a tribute, a healing process, and a declaration of growth. With this release, Rethabile Khumalo honours her mother’s legacy while courageously stepping into her own.