Khululiwe ka Sithole Khanyile is a celebrated South African vocalist and performer whose voice has graced stages and recordings across the globe.

Born and raised in Durban’s Umlazi Township, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most respected theatre and music icons.

As the wife of the late music legend Jabu Khanyile, she carved her own path, earning acclaim as a sought-after studio recording artist and backing vocalist for South Africa’s greatest talents, as well as international luminaries like Angélique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, Caiphus Semenya, and Letta Mbulu.

Her artistry has been immortalized in landmark works, from her role in the iconic film Sarafina! to her contribution to the multi-million-selling Lion King soundtrack, for which she earned a Gold Sales Award.

Khululiwe’s career is adorned with accolades, including a nomination for Best Female Solo Vocal Performance at the FNB Awards, a BVSM Lifetime Achievement Award, and honors from the Basadi and MTCMA Awards.

With performances spanning Mexico, Greece, the Czech Republic, and European tours, Khululiwe’s music is a bridge between cultures, rooted in African heritage yet resonating universally. Her journey is one of resilience, grace, and an unwavering commitment to using her voice as a vessel for healing, joy, and unity.

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Meet CreatepreneurAfrica: Khululiwe ka Sithole ,Keeper of Song, Weaver of Joy

Tell us what drives you? What is your true passion in life?

The one thing I love most in my life, is singing and being on stage. That is driven by making people happy, helping them create joyful and lasting memories and most of all healing people through my voice and music.

How did you find your passion and how old were you?

I was at the very tender age of 4/5 years where listening to music on the radio became a hobby. I was a little hummingbird, identified by the buzz of song and dance that followed me everywhere around the house with me singing anything ranging from wedding songs to gospel, and to traditional songs. Our neighbours soon noticed my talents and would then ask to have me perform for them, tipping me with 2cents/5cents (which excited me very much), this was with permission from my mother of-course.

What about your passion appeals to you the most?

The versatility of my voice and being blessed with a unique tone. These aspects of my voice allow me to manoeuvre across genres and it sets me apart.

What drove you to make money from your passions?

Family. With our father passing on while I was very young, leaving mom with the struggle of being a single parent of my siblings and I, changed our lives as poverty was rife. So helping out at home was a no-brainer for me, I knew I neededto start making a difference in our lives and singing was my saving grace

When was the first time you were paid for your passion?

It was when I was in a band called Jama, where I was a rose amongst the thorns.

What kept you going when you thought about giving up?

Once again, family played a huge role in keeping me going because I could see the difference in our lives through some of the money I was making in my singing career.

What motivates you every day to be even more successful?

What motivates me now more than ever, are my own children, having a family of my own to take responsibility of and see to their well being, healthy growth and lifestyle. Family is everything to me.

What do you have to say to all of the people who doubted you?

If I had to, I would say don’t be quick in doubt especially when talent has been identified. And don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but allow yourself to indulge in the read and get acquainted with the nuances in every part of the story. The same with my music journey, it’s been one with different seasons and all of them necessary, however it has not yet come to an end. With God by my side harvest time is inevitable, He will lay the table

What advice do you give to aspiring creatives who look up to you?

I would encourage them with this recipe to succeed:

To be very disciplined,
To love what they do,
To take care of the craft and it will take care of them.

Most importantly, I spoke about seasons in the previous question so they must trust God in all changes as well as His timing and be extremely patient; this industry requires a multitude of patience.