South African House and Afropop Artist Winnie Khumalo Dead at 51

In addition to delivering singles like “Live My Life” and “Inhliziyo,” Winnie Khumalo acted in South African television series like Muvhango.

Winnie Khumalo, a well-known South African house music and Afropop recording artist, has passed away at age 51 after suddenly falling ill.

The Soweto-born singer and recording artist died en route to the hospital on Tuesday, January 7, according to her sister, Ntshepenge Rakeepile. “My sister was sick,” Rakeepile told the SABC News. “She did have a short illness and we really thought she was recovering. But this morning it turned out she hadn’t fully recovered from her illness. She was quickly rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead.”

“It is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Winnie Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025 at the age of 51,” reads a statement by South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture. “Her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry.”

Khumalo released her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, in 1988 at only 15, tapping renowned South African producer Sello Chicco Twala for the effort. She followed it up with albums like Dlamini and Izono Zami, going on to work with artists like DJ Cleo, Bongo Maffin, Brothers of Peace, and the late Brenda Fassie. She also acted in South African television series, most notably Muhvango in the ’90s.

Following a seven-year hiatus after the turn of the millennium, Winnie Khumalo released her most commercially successful record. Just Wanna Live My Life came out in 2008, and its title track, “Live My Life,” achieved gold certification for selling 25,000 physical copies and 50,000 mobile downloads. In the years that followed, Khumalo delivered albums like Woman, Higher and Higher, and The Storm: Isivunguvungu.

We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Winnie Khumalo during what can only be a difficult time.