Winnie Khumalo: Celebrated South African Artist and Actress

Winnie Khumalo, a prominent South African house music and Afropop singer, has tragically passed away at the age of 51 following a sudden illness.

The celebrated artist from Soweto died while being transported to the hospital on Tuesday, January 7, as confirmed by her sister, Ntshepenge Rakeepile. “My sister was sick,” Rakeepile revealed to SABC News. “She had a brief illness, and we believed she was on the mend. However, this morning we learned she had not fully recovered. She was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead.”

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the legendary Winnie Khumalo’s passing on January 7, 2025, at the young age of 51,” stated a statement from South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture. “Her untimely demise is a significant loss to both South Africa and the music industry.”

Khumalo made her mark in the music scene with her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, released in 1988 when she was just 15 years old, collaborating with renowned South African producer Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this success with albums such as Dlamini and Izono Zami, and worked with notable artists including DJ Cleo, Bongo Maffin, Brothers of Peace, and the late Brenda Fassie. Additionally, she showcased her talent in television, most famously in the series Muvhango during the ’90s.

After a seven-year hiatus, Winnie Khumalo made a triumphant return with her most commercially successful album, Just Wanna Live My Life, released in 2008. The title track, “Live My Life,” achieved gold status, selling 25,000 physical copies and 50,000 mobile downloads. She continued to release albums including Woman, Higher and Higher, and The Storm: Isivunguvungu in the following years.

We at EDM Identity extend our heartfelt condolences to Winnie Khumalo’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.