The deeply personal project honours legacy, healing and a new chapter for the South African singer-songwriter.

Acclaimed South African singer songwriter Rethabile Khumalo officially releases her highly anticipated third studio album, Kwelizayo; an emotional and deeply personal tribute to her late mother, legendary musician Winnie Khumalo.

Now available for pre-save ahead of its official release tomorrow, Kwelizayo marks a defining moment in Rethabile’s career as she opens up about grief, healing, resilience and self-discovery through music. The album is led by the powerful focus single, Bagolo, a track that captures the emotional depth and sonic direction of the project.

Developed over several months following the passing of her mother, the album captures Rethabile at her most vulnerable and authentic. Through soulful storytelling, rich African sounds and emotionally driven songwriting, Kwelizayo offers listeners a journey of love, pain, hope and spiritual growth.

The project embraces South Africa’s cultural diversity through the use of isiZulu, isiXhosa and Sepedi, creating a body of work that resonates across generations and communities. One of the album’s most emotional moments includes a special pre-recorded contribution from Winnie Khumalo, symbolising the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter while honouring Winnie’s enduring musical legacy.

Speaking on the release, Rethabile shares: “This album is more than music for me, it is healing, it is legacy and it is love. I have spent time rediscovering myself after losing my mother, and Kwelizayo became part of that process. Everything I do moving forward is to honour her and make uMa proud.”

The release follows Rethabile’s continued rise within South Africa’s music industry, with chart-topping successes including Umlilo alongside DJ Zinhle and Mvzzle, as well as the platinum-certified hit Ntyilo Ntyilo featuring Master KG.

Now independently signed under WINNKAY MUSIC RECORDS, Rethabile continues to evolve creatively while cementing her position as one of the country’s most impactful young voices.

Kwelizayo stands as more than an album, it is a tribute, a healing process and a celebration of legacy, womanhood and strength.

Rethabile Khumalo is a South African singer-songwriter born on September 9, 1995. As the youngest daughter of legendary musician Winnie Khumalo, she grew up immersed in music and later studied at the National School of Arts. Her career breakthrough came in 2019 with the multi-platinum hit Umlilo alongside DJ Zinhle and Mvzzle. She later solidified her place in the industry with her debut album Like Mother, Like Daughter and the platinum-certified single Ntyilo Ntyilo featuring Master KG.

In 2024, her single Egalile gained viral momentum across TikTok and streaming platforms, further expanding her growing fanbase and digital presence. In 2025, she also made her television acting debut on the South African drama series Isitha: The Enemy.

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