SA: Kelly Khumalo to host Gospel Explosion concert

The singer will share the stage with Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Ayanda Ntanzi and Takie Ndlovu. The event follows the release of her latest album The Voice of Africa.

“I love gospel music and I have always wanted to create a space for people to come and have fun while worshiping,” Khumalo said. “I sing secular music but my foundation is the church. Growing up, I sang in the church choir.

“To finally have the platform to host this show with amazing singers is a blessing and I cannot wait to see all my fans there. People can expect an unforgettable experience of praise and worship. We are going to have fun.”

Khumalo will perform songs mostly from The Voice of Africa album, including 'Nok'khanya', 'Undithatha Kancinci' and 'Loshona Nini'.

The album incorporates gospel, R&B and Afropop elements, and its chart-topping single ‘Empini’ was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa in 2020.

“The song [‘Empini’] is inspired by conquering everything that is set to destroy us,” Khumalo told Music In Africa in 2020. “The message is to never give up no matter what comes our way. The theme of the song is about who we are and where we come from as Africans, which is also the main theme of the album.”

Khumalo’s name is not strange in the gospel circles. She was discovered while performing at a gospel talent search and later signed a record deal with Bomsai Entertainment.

Also a dancer, Khumalo shot to fame following the release of her debut album TKO in 2005 and was named the Best Newcomer of 2005 at the Afropop music circuit. She boasts nine albums, including Itshitshi, Siyajabula, Back to My Roots and The Past, The Present, The Future.

Tickets to the Gospel Explosion concert are available for purchase here.