Rethabile Khumalo has unveiled her latest album, Kwelizayo, which acts as a dedication to her recently deceased mother, Winnie Khumalo.
After releasing her single Amaphupho in October 2025, the singer has transformed her emotions of loss and her path to healing into musical expressions.
Rethabile honors her mother with her third album
More than a year since the death of Afro-pop star Winnie Khumalo, Rethabile has shared her ongoing struggle with grief. She noted to TshisaLIVE that this album was instrumental in addressing her sorrow and fostering healing.
“Creating Kwelizayo became a healing process for me after losing my mother. I poured a lot of my emotions, pain, growth, and hope into the music, and although it was emotionally difficult at times, the album gave me a space to express myself honestly.”
Through her Instagram account, Khumalo elaborated on her journey of healing, detailing life without her mother’s presence.
“Healing doesn’t mean that the damage never existed. IT MEANS THE DAMAGE NO LONGER CONTROLS YOUR LIFE! RIPMOM! I MISS YOU EVERY DAY.”
Public reactions to Rethabile Khumalo’s album
Here are some responses from social media users:
Kelefaku remarked:
“I can’t wait to listen to it, I know for sure we will be listening to your Heart, and we will feel every emotion put in this Album and Honey, I can’t wait to take it all in because you are phenomenal.”
Jay.cornelius shared:
“The pain of losing a mother can’t be explained. Lost mine just after hers.”
Phindi_4real expressed:
“Thank you. Thank you, I’m touched by the whole craft “kwelizayo” broke my heart.”
@aalt_23 commented:
“@rethabile_rsa, that pain triggered me a few minutes ago. I got caught up, mind jammed in the middle of the road. Was about to hit the freeway on the N12 while other cars were doing peels around me. For a second, the pressure, the memories, everything hit at once… felt like I was driving with a storm inside my chest. Rest In Peace, Momma. I hope one day I don’t make accidents.”
