The Tumultuous Love Life of Kelly Kumalo: Five Men Who Shaped Her Story

Kelly Kumalo, one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians, has made a name for herself not only with her exceptional talent but also through her highly publicized and often controversial personal life.

While her music continues to capture the hearts of many, it is her tumultuous relationships that have kept her in the headlines, making her one of the most talked-about celebrities in the country. From failed marriages to high-profile romances, Kumalo’s love life has been a rollercoaster of emotions, public scrutiny, and personal growth.

Here, we take a closer look at the five men who have played significant roles in Kelly Kumalo’s romantic journey.

1. Prosper Mukhawa – The First Major Heartbreak

Kelly Kumalo’s first major relationship in the public eye was with Prosper Mukhawa, a businessman and music promoter, whom she began dating in 2007. Prosper, who was well-known for his connection with actress Tina Jaka in the early 2000s, had a brief but significant relationship with Kelly. Not only did they become romantically involved, but Prosper also took on the role of Kelly’s manager and business partner.

Their relationship became the subject of media attention when Prosper publicly claimed that he had been Kelly’s first sexual partner, a statement that led to even more public fascination and speculation. However, the relationship was not destined to last.

Rumors of infidelity surfaced, with whispers that Prosper had been seeing a waitress behind Kelly’s back. In 2010, Prosper revealed that Kelly had suffered a miscarriage during their time together, adding another layer of heartbreak to their already strained relationship.

Tragically, in 2007, Prosper passed away after falling ill and seeking medical treatment for a fever, ending a chapter that had been filled with both professional collaboration and personal turmoil.

2. Jub Jub (Molemo Maarohanye) – The Push-and-Pull Relationship

Next in Kelly Kumalo’s love life was rapper Jub Jub, with whom she began a relationship around 2008. Their connection was described as tumultuous and full of ups and downs. Kelly has described their relationship as a “push and pull” dynamic, where they would often fight, only for her to forgive him each time.

The couple’s relationship intensified when Kelly became pregnant, giving birth to their son in 2010. However, their relationship would be marred by controversy, particularly when Jub Jub was arrested and tried for killing four children in a horrific incident. Despite this, Kelly stood by him, accompanying him to court during his trial. Yet, as the rapper was convicted, Kelly and Jub Jub’s relationship had already begun to fall apart.

Later, Kelly would accuse Jub Jub of physically abusing her, a claim that he denied, calling her an “attention seeker.” The allegations added another layer of complexity to their relationship, which seemed to be marked by both intense love and painful conflict.

In 2019, Kelly came under fire when she refused to allow Jub Jub to have a relationship with his son. She expressed her desire to protect their child from his father until he was old enough to decide for himself. However, in 2020, Kelly made efforts to reconcile with Jub Jub, finally introducing their son to his father’s family. The road to reconciliation seemed long and painful, but Kelly’s actions reflected her desire to move forward for the sake of their child.

3. Senzo Meyiwa – The Tragic Love Story

Perhaps the most heartbreaking chapter of Kelly Kumalo’s romantic life was her relationship with Senzo Meyiwa, the renowned South African soccer star. The two began dating in 2013, months after Senzo had married his wife. Kelly, however, only discovered that Senzo was married five months into their relationship. As the affair became public, tensions between Kelly and Senzo’s wife, as well as his family, escalated.

Despite the controversy, Kelly and Senzo continued their relationship, and in 2014, Kelly gave birth to their daughter. However, their story would end in tragedy. In October of that year, Senzo was tragically murdered at Kelly’s childhood home during an attempted robbery. The murder remains unsolved to this day, and Kelly has publicly called for justice, expressing her desire to move on with her life.

The murder, however, led to significant fallout. Senzo’s family blamed Kelly for his death and even barred her from attending his funeral. Over six years later, some of Senzo’s fans continue to point fingers at Kelly, fueling ongoing speculation and controversy surrounding his untimely death.

4. Vusimuzi “Vaga” Zama – A Short-Lived Romance

Just months after Senzo’s death, Kelly reportedly moved on with Vusimuzi “Vaga” Zama, a traditional healer and sangoma. The couple’s relationship, however, did not last long. In February 2015, the relationship ended in a physical altercation, with Vaga claiming that Kelly had demanded he leave his wife, a request he refused. The altercation took place just hours before the Metro FM Awards, leading to public embarrassment and an end to the romance.

While Kelly did not press charges, Vaga expressed disappointment over the situation, and Kelly, in turn, admitted that she was still emotionally attached to Senzo and could not fully commit to a new relationship. This relationship was short-lived but left another emotional scar for Kelly.

5. Chad Da Don – The Brief Engagement

Kelly’s most recent public relationship was with rapper Chad Da Don. The couple met on the set of Kelly’s music video in 2018, and their chemistry was instant. After only two months of dating, Chad proposed to Kelly, and the couple even got matching tattoos to mark their engagement.

However, their engagement was short-lived. In February 2019, they announced their breakup, with Chad confirming the split and expressing that Kelly was “the best thing that had ever happened” to him. Despite the breakup, there was still hope for reconciliation, and by April 2019, the couple was back together, hinting at possible marriage plans. Sadly, in August 2019, they officially called it quits for good, with Kelly later citing her decision to pursue a calling as a sangoma as a potential factor in the breakup.

Conclusion: A Journey of Healing and Growth

As of now, Kelly Kumalo is single and focused on raising her two children. Her relationships, though often controversial and filled with heartbreak, have contributed to her personal growth. Despite the tumult, Kelly has learned from her experiences, becoming a stronger and more resilient individual over the years.

Kelly’s journey in love may have been filled with obstacles and emotional challenges, but her ability to persevere and her commitment to her children show that she is determined to overcome her past. Many fans and well-wishers hope that one day, Kelly will find the love and happiness she truly deserves.