South African musician and actress Winnie Khumalo has died at the age of 51. According to close friends and family, Khumalo passed away on Tuesday at her home after a short illness.
Media personality Sabelo “Ntombeningi” Sithole was one of the first people to be contacted by Rethabile Khumalo, Winnie’s daughter, with the devastating news. Sithole rushed to Khumalo’s home, only to find that she had already passed away.
Khumalo’s music career spanned several decades, beginning when she was just a teenager. She was introduced to the music industry by the late Brenda Fassie, for whom she worked as a backing singer. Khumalo released her debut album, “Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina,” at just 15 years old.
Throughout her career, Khumalo collaborated with numerous notable artists, including Pure Magic, Sipho Mbele, Brothers of Peace (B.O.P), Bongo Maffin, Zonke Dikana, and DJ Cleo. She also released a gospel album titled “Izono Zami” in the 1990s.
In addition to her music career, Khumalo had small roles in the SABC series “Muvhango” and “Mponeng,” as well as a stage play titled “The Journey.”
Khumalo took a break from the music industry but returned in 2008 with the album “I Just Wanna Live My Life.” The album’s title track was nominated for several awards, including Best Dance Video and Best Afro Pop Video at the Channel O Music Awards.
Khumalo’s daughter, Rethabile, followed in her mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in music. Rethabile auditioned for the M-Net reality singing competition “SA Idols” in 2011 and 2012 but was told she was too young to compete. She has since launched a successful singing career.
Khumalo’s death has sent shockwaves through the South African music industry, with fans and fellow artists paying tribute to her legacy.