Rethabile Nomalanga Khumalo, known professionally as Rethabile, is a South African singer-songwriter born on September 6, 1996. She gained widespread recognition after featuring on DJ Zinhle’s hit single “Umlilo” and has since become a prominent figure in the South African music scene. Rethabile’s journey in music is deeply rooted in her family legacy, with her mother, Winnie Khumalo, being a renowned singer and former backup dancer.

Profile Summary

Full Name	Rethabile Nomalanga Khumalo
Date of Birth	September 9, 1996
Place of Birth	Sebokeng, South Africa (though some sources mention Soweto)
Nationality	South African
Partner	Not publicly disclosed
Children	Not publicly disclosed
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Guitarist, Dancer
Labels	Afrotaiment (past), Winnkay Music (associated with her mother)
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed

Early Life and Education

Rethabile was born in Sebokeng, a township in the Vaal Triangle, South Africa. Growing up in a musical family, she was exposed to various genres of music from an early age.

Her mother, Winnie Khumalo, played a pivotal role in nurturing Rethabile’s love for music. Winnie, known for her powerful voice and energetic performances, was a significant influence on Rethabile’s early life and career aspirations.

Rethabile pursued formal music education at the London Trinity School, where she earned certifications in music and guitar. This formal training helped her develop her skills and prepare for a career in the music industry.

Career

Rethabile’s journey in the music industry began with her audition for Idols South Africa in 2012. Although she was eliminated from the competition, this experience did not deter her from pursuing her dreams. She continued to work on her craft, honing her skills and building her confidence as a performer.

In 2018, Rethabile signed with Afrotaiment, a South African record label. This marked a significant turning point in her career, as she began to release her own music. Her single “Nomathemba” was one of her early releases under the label.

Rethabile’s breakthrough came in 2019 when she featured on DJ Zinhle’s hit single “Umlilo.” The song became a massive success, topping charts and earning her widespread recognition. This collaboration catapulted her into the spotlight, making her a sought-after artist in South Africa.

Following the success of “Umlilo,” Rethabile released her platinum-certified single “Ntyilo Ntyilo” in 2020, featuring Master KG. This song further solidified her position in the music industry, showcasing her ability to create catchy and memorable hits.

In 2020, Rethabile released her debut album, Like Mother, Like Daughter. The album was a tribute to her mother and a reflection of her own musical journey. It featured a mix of genres, from house to pop, highlighting her versatility as an artist.

In 2022, Rethabile released The Legacy EP, which continued her legacy of creating impactful music. The EP included collaborations with other notable artists and further cemented her status as a leading figure in South African music.

Personal Life

Rethabile keeps her personal life relatively private. There is no public information about her being married or having children. As for her romantic relationships, she has not publicly disclosed any details about a boyfriend or partner. Her focus has primarily been on her career and honoring her family’s musical legacy.

Rethabile’s mother, Winnie Khumalo, was a significant influence on her life and career until her passing in 2025. Winnie’s legacy continues to inspire Rethabile, who often speaks about the impact her mother had on her music and personal life.

Rethabile Khumalo Net Worth

Rethabile’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, her successful music career, including platinum-certified singles and a debut album, suggests that she earns a substantial income from her music. Her collaborations with prominent artists and her growing popularity in South Africa contribute to her financial success.

Discography

Rethabile Khumalo’s notable songs and releases includes:

• “Nomathemba” (2018)
• “Umlilo” (feat. DJ Zinhle & Mvzzle) (2019)
• “Ntyilo Ntyilo” (feat. Master KG) (2020)
• “Genesis” (2020)
• “Hlonipha” (2020)
• “Nomnganga” (2021)
• “Uvalo” (2021)
• “Ngzok’nik’uthando” (2022)
• “Isilonda” (2024)
• “Egalile” (2024)
• “Angisakhoni” (2024)
• “Uyavela” (feat. Nokwazi & DJ ALE) (2024)
• “Ixoki” (feat. Rethabile Khumalo) (2024)
• “Miracle Child” (2024)
• “Empini: Love & War” (2024)

Additionally, she has released several albums and EPs, including:

• Like Mother Like Daughter (2020)
• Inkemba (2021)
• The Legacy (2022)
• Culo (2023) [1][3][6].

Awards and Nominations

Rethabile won the Most Voted Song award at the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards for “Ntyilo Ntyilo.” This recognition underscored her impact on the South African music scene and her ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience.