Johannesburg - Kelly Khumalo is embarking on a new spiritual journey – she recently got baptised and she has released her first new gospel single titled Jehova.
In her touching gospel song the songstress opens up about how her enemies tried to destroy her by telling lies behind her back “but they never won because God has always been my protector”.
“Through it all, God did not leave me nor forsake me. He has been with me through my trials and tribulations,” she told City Press this week.
She said she composed the song to give thanks to God for being by her side through it all. Over the years Khumalo has not had it easy, but now the past is behind her.
“I’ve grown spiritually, hence I’ve decided to be baptised after so many years of being a Christian,” she said.
Khumalo said the reason behind her decision to get baptised was to respect the sacred space of worship and to shed whatever has been haunting her through the years.
Last week Khumalo shared pictures on her Instagram account of her baptism.
Her fans concluded she was shooting a music video of her gospel song.
“After the baptism I felt like a new person – this is the new beginning,” Khumalo said.
She said that even in the Bible before Moses was about to enter the holy place, he was asked to take off his sandals because the place was sacred.
“So for me the baptism was out of respect for the holy place of worship. I have always been a born-again, but being baptised was a big deal for me.”
When asked if this fresh start means she has given up alcohol or other things against her religion, she said it was sad society had this perception that one needed to change before finding God.
“God wants you as you are so that He can work on your purpose with you,” she said, adding that “God wants us to come to Him with our imperfections, so that He can change us”.
Her gospel song comes as she is celebrating 15 years in the music industry this year. Only a few know that Khumalo’s singing talent was discovered in church at a very young age.
She has featured Durban-born musician Kyle Deutsch in the song.
Is this her first and last gospel song?
“I don’t know. Wherever God leads me, I will follow,” she said.
“I did this for my fans. I had no choice but to honour them.”