Rethabile Khumalo – Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Rethabile Roberta Khumalo, born on September 9, 1995, is a South African singer-songwriter professionally known as Rethabile. She gained widespread recognition after featuring on DJ Zinhle’s hit single “Umlilo,” which achieved triple platinum status in South Africa. Her own single “Ntyilo Ntyilo” was certified platinum in August 2021, solidifying her status as a platinum-selling artist. Before her breakthrough, she competed in Idols SA during seasons 8 and 9.
Early Life
Rethabile Khumalo was born on September 9, 1995. She is the daughter of renowned South African singer Winnie Khumalo and a musician father. Despite growing up in a musical family, Rethabile chose to forge her own path in the industry, determined not to rely on her mother’s fame. She has a brother, Thando Thobela, from her mother’s previous relationship with former boxing champion Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela. Rethabile and her brother were raised in Protea Glen, Soweto, by their mother. She studied at the National School of the Arts (NSA), where her passion for music was developed.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Rethabile Roberta Khumalo |
| Date of Birth | 9 September 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Protea Glen, Soweto, South Africa |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Age | 30 years old (2025) |
| Mother | Winnie Khumalo |
| Bother | Thando Thobela |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Guitarist, Dancer |
| Genres | House, Amapiano |
| Years Active | 2012 – Present |
| Instruments | Vocal |
| Labels | Afrotainment, Winnkay Music |
| @rethabile_rsa |
Career
At just six years old, Rethabile could already sing and dance, often showcasing her talents at local talent shows. By 2008, she was performing as a backing vocalist and dancer for her mother. After finishing high school, she began working as a showgirl at Montecasino’s Cantare, performing in a production called Heels and Feathers. Her official entry into the music industry came through Idols South Africa, where she competed in both season 8 and 9. Her first audition was in 2012 at the age of 16 while still in school, and she returned the following year at 17. Although she didn’t win either season, she continued to pursue her dream despite facing many setbacks.
A turning point came when her mother’s friend, Zodwa Wabantu, invited them to a party at a Soweto pop club. The event was attended by notable figures, including DJ Tira and his wife, Gugu Khathi. Seated next to Gugu, Rethabile spoke about her musical ambitions. That same night, she performed Pretty Disaster by Moneoa. Impressed, Gugu encouraged her to stay in touch. Within weeks, Rethabile found herself in the studio recording her self-written debut track, Nomathemba Nomathe—a name meaning “mother of hope.”
On her birthday in 2018, DJ Tira announced that Rethabile had officially joined Afrotainment, one of South Africa’s leading record labels, and released her debut single Nomathemba that September. In August 2019, she featured on DJ Zinhle’s hit track Umlilo, produced by Mvzzle. Following the song’s success, she dropped Ntyilo Ntyilo, featuring Master KG. The track went platinum and later won the “Most Voted Song” at the 6th Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards.
In September 2020, she released her debut album, Like Mother, Like Daughter.
Discography
Albums
2020 – Like Mother Like Daughter
2022 – The Legacy
EPs
2021 – Inkemba
2023 – Culo
Singles
2018 – Your Love
2020 – Ntyilo Ntyilo
2020 – Khuzani
2021 – Uvalo
2021 – Nomnganga
2022 – Ngzok’nik’uthando
2022 – Jabula
2024 – Angisakhoni
2025 – Umlilo
2024 – Egalile
2024 – Isilonda
2025 – Camagu
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