Shekhinah Thandi Donnell (born 2 October 1994), known mononymously as Shekhinah, is a South African singer-songwriter and one of the country’s most successful young artists. She first gained national recognition as a contestant on SA Idols, making it to the Top 32 in Season 7 (2011) and the Top 6 in Season 8 (2012).

Her debut studio album, Rose Gold (2017), became a major success, earning multi-platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The album produced three number-one singles: Suited, Please Mr., and Different, solidifying her status as a leading voice in South African pop and R&B.

Shekhinah followed up with her second studio album, Trouble In Paradise (2021), which was certified Gold by RiSA. Known for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting, she continues to be a significant figure in the South African music industry.

Early Life

Shekhinah Thandi Donnell was born on October 2, 1994, in Durban, South Africa. She was abandoned at birth, but the Donnell family took her in and raised her with love and support. She shares a strong bond with her adoptive father, Phil Donnell, who has been her biggest cheerleader throughout her life and career. Her adoptive mother lives in the United States, but they remain close, and she makes time to visit whenever she can.

Growing up in a racially different family, the currently 31-year-old Shekhinah never felt out of place at home because she was surrounded by love. It wasn’t until high school and university that she started facing challenges—people questioned why she didn’t speak isiZulu fluently or why she styled her hair a certain way. At first, it bothered her, but she learned to move past it.

Her real eye-opener came when she moved to Johannesburg and started living on her own. She found herself caught between two worlds—some Black people she met were deeply conscious of racial history, while some White people treated her differently because she “wasn’t like that.” It was confusing at first, but over time, she gained a deeper understanding of these perspectives. Through it all, she’s come to believe that, above everything else, humanity should always come first.

Career

In 2017, Shekhinah dropped her hit single “Suited,” which soared to No. 1 on South Africa’s music charts and later earned a diamond plaque from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The following year, she released “Please Mr” and “Different,” with “Please Mr” achieving gold certification.

Her debut album, Rose Gold, arrived on October 6, 2017, under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. Shekhinah co-wrote the album with David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Luke Goliath, and Mae N. Maejor, crafting a signature blend of pop and R&B. Rose Gold became her best-selling album, reaching multi-platinum status in South Africa and producing three major singles: “Suited,” “Please Mr,” and “Different.” The album dominated the 2018 South African Music Awards, earning her six nominations and winning Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year.

On May 7, 2021, she followed up with her second studio album, Trouble in Paradise, featuring the singles “Fixate” and “Tide.” The album reached gold status, with “Fixate” debuting at No. 1 on the RAMS Chart.

In early March 2023, Shekhinah announced that her third studio album was on the way. The lead single, “Risk,” featuring Moliy, was released on March 22, 2024, and debuted at No. 9 on the Local Radio Chart Top 10.

Discography

Singles

2015 – Back To The Beach

2017 – Let You Know

2017 – Deme

2018 – Suited

2018 – Please Mr

2018 – Different

2019 – Anywhere We Go

2023 – Wonder

2024 – Cherry Bomb

2024 – Risk

2024 – Steady

Studio Albums

2017 – Rose Gold

2021 – Trouble in Paradise

Awards Won

MTV Africa Music Awards

Best Pop & Alternative, 2016

All Africa Music Awards

Best Female Artist in Southern Africa, 2018

Songwriter of the Year, 2018

South African Music Awards

New Comer of the Year, 2018

Album of the Year, 2018

Female Artist of the Year, 2018

Female Artist of the Year, 2022

Basadi Awards

SAMPRA Highest Airplay, 2022

Pop Artist of the Year, 2024