Kelly Khumalo gears up for the biggest Gospel Explosion in her life and it will take place on April 15 at the Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre. The star who has always said she is not a Gospel artist repeatedly, will give her fans an epic Gospel experience.
"I’d like to take you on a journey where it all started.... leading the Sunday School choir at 6 years old , singing and playing a drum at Zion church in KZN, youth Choir and worship team lead Vocalist to #TheVoiceOfAftica #HerVocalHighness. DROP A HEART IF WE SHOULD HAVE A KELLY KHUMALO GOSPEL CONCERT! you say yes I book the venue... it’s all up to you."
Now, Kelly Khumalo told TshisaLive that her parents are to thank for her deep love for Gospel music.
Speaking about why the concert is done now, she said the idea came about before lockdown but restrictions placed made it impossible for her to do so. Now with restrictions further eased, she has the green light.
"I wanted to do the concert before lockdown but circumstances did not allow it. Our plans had to be postponed but the country is fully open again and we can we go ahead."
Kelly then spoke about the strength Gospel music gave her in dealing with the industry and it's politics.
On the night, she has guests such as Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Ayanda Ntanzi and Taki Ndou.
Speaking to The Sowetan, Kelly said she is extremely happy to be able to host such a concert.
“For me to be able to now stage such a show is truly a significant moment in my career. To do exactly what discovered me and be able to bring along my fans and friends on this journey is something that every artist looks forward to doing.
“The release of Esiphambanweni has landed me in hot water because people had expectations of me migrating fully onto the gospel space. But the truth is that I am not a gospel artist. I don’t need to be one to sing gospel,” Kelly said to the publication.
But at some point Kelly was conflicted when it came to finding her true identity, "All my life I have tried to figure out who am I, what I'm meant to do. And I'm convinced that doing circular music is exactly what I'm meant to do. But tonight I feel different." She said. "It scares me so much, because I love God and I respect God. I think the biggest fear comes from whether I am making the right decision."
Speaking to another publication, Daily Sun she spoke about the backlash she received when she sang Gospel in the nude, "I am not a Gospel artist and I am not going to water myself down so I can be digestible to a certain group of people. I am the way I am because God created me this way.
"If I am at the show performing one of the songs that people love, I shall perform it in whatever I am dressed in," she said.
But one thing she will not tolerate is people telling her how to carry herself, "Those of you who call yourselves Christians, stop! Because you don't even know what you go to church for. 'Our God, Our God', Gha! Sies! The very same God that you're talking about is the one that blesses me on a daily basis because he knows exactly who I am. I don't try and put up a front.
"I'm no gospel artist and I don't wish to be. I'm perfect as I am. If you have a problem as a fan it is very simple, f**king unfollow. It is that simple!"
