Kelly Khumalo shocks Mzansi as she graduates as an inyanga (traditional healer)! Controversial South African musician Kelly Khumalo recently surprised fans and critics alike by announcing her graduation as an inyanga, or traditional healer, coinciding with her 40th birthday on November 11.
Khumalo, a celebrated singer and TV personality, is known for her musical achievements and outspoken nature, but this milestone highlights her spiritual journey—a path she has been pursuing for 15 years.
A Long Journey to Inyanga Status
Kelly Khumalo’s graduation as an inyanga is a result of years of spiritual training and self-discovery. Over the past 15 years, she has undergone four to five rounds of training, including sessions in nature, prayer, and through her ancestral roots.
Speaking on Ukhozi FM, she expressed joy and fulfillment at reaching this status, sharing, “Today, as I’m celebrating my birthday, I’m also graduating as inyanga. So, now I’m officially inyanga.”
The path was not straightforward for Kelly. “After 15 years of searching and trying to figure out who I am, today I’m finally graduating, and I’m a certified inyanga,” she shared.
Kelly explained that her calling goes beyond traditional healing, noting that her gift is “universal” and meant for people of all backgrounds. This international focus is part of what took her longer to understand her true purpose, she explained, as she aimed to bridge her traditional knowledge with a broader, universal perspective.
A Spiritual Calling Rooted in Culture
Traditional healing, or ukuthwasa, is a respected practice in many African cultures, and Kelly’s journey reflects her connection to these roots.
After years of initiation and training, she now uses traditional titles in her speech, addressing other women as “gogo” and men as “mkhulu,” signifying her new status.
Khumalo shared her dedication to understanding her lineage, explaining, “I was trained in many places, including in the water, nature, by prayer, and through my roots, because it’s important to know where I come from to know where I’m going.”
Her varied training reflects the holistic nature of her spiritual calling, one that combines cultural rituals with a deep respect for nature and spirituality.
Celebrating 20 Years in the Music Industry
In addition to her spiritual milestone, Kelly Khumalo is also marking two decades in the music industry. Her journey in music has been impactful, and she is planning a commemorative project, titled 20 Years of Kelly Khumalo, which will be released in early 2025.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m celebrating many milestones: 20 years in the industry, turning 40, and graduating as inyanga for the first time.”
The project, 20 Years of Kelly Khumalo, is expected to highlight her career achievements and showcase her evolution as an artist. Despite the controversies that have surrounded her life and career, Kelly’s contributions to South African music remain significant, and she views her current achievements as a “renewal” and “restoration” of her life and purpose.
Kelly Khumalo
A Journey Amidst Legal Battles
Kelly’s personal and professional milestones unfold amid ongoing legal battles linked to the tragic murder trial of her former boyfriend, Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed in 2014.
As the trial continues, Kelly has remained in the public eye, with the case often overshadowing her musical and spiritual accomplishments. Nonetheless, she has stayed resolute, focusing on her calling and her career.
Her announcement of inyanga graduation, a deeply personal achievement, is a step toward further establishing herself beyond her public controversies.
This journey appears to be an attempt at finding balance and growth amid a challenging time, and Kelly seems intent on staying grounded by fully embracing her spiritual path.