Sibongile Khumalo Biography: Husband, Age, Death, Net Worth, Albums, Height, Parents, Opera

Sibongile Khumalo was an iconic South African singer and songwriter, celebrated for her mastery of classical, jazz, opera, and traditional South African music.

Born on September 24, 1957, in Soweto, she earned the title “First Lady of Song” from Nelson Mandela after performing at his 1994 inauguration.

Her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and versatile repertoire left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural landscape until her passing in 2021.

Profile

• Full Name: Sibongile Khumalo
• Stage Name: Sibongile Khumalo
• Born: September 24, 1957
• Age: 63 (at the time of her passing on January 28, 2021)
• Birthplace: Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, and Music Educator
• Height: 5’8
• Parents: Khabi Mngoma and Grace Mngoma
• Siblings: Lindumuzi Mngoma (brother), others unknown
• Spouse: Siphiwe Khumalo (m. until his passing in 2005)
• Children: Tshepo Mngoma (son), Ayanda Khumalo (daughter)
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Sibongile Khumalo was born on September 24, 1957, in Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. Raised in a musically rich household by her father, Khabi Mngoma, a professor of music, and her mother, Grace Mngoma, a nurse with a warm alto voice, Sibongile began her musical journey at age eight.

Her father’s passion for classical music and her mother’s choral singing deeply influenced her. She pursued formal education at the University of Zululand, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music, followed by a BA Honours in Music History from the University of the Witwatersrand.

She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management from Wits Business School. Her brother, Lindumuzi, a cellist, shared her musical upbringing, fostering her connection to South African choral traditions.

Her ethnicity was South African, and she practiced Christianity.

Career

Sibongile Khumalo, an acclaimed singer and songwriter, launched her professional career in 1992 with a debut performance at Kippies Jazz International, presenting The Three Faces of Sibongile Khumalo, a show blending jazz, opera, and indigenous music. Her breakthrough came in 1993, winning the Standard Bank Young Artist Award at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

She performed at Nelson Mandela’s 75th birthday in 1993 and his 1994 inauguration, earning the moniker “First Lady of Song.” In 1995, she led the national anthems of South Africa and New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup final.

Her operatic debut as Carmen in Durban showcased her versatility, followed by critically acclaimed roles in South African works like UShaka kaSenzangakhona (1996) and Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu (2002).

Her debut album, Ancient Evenings (1996), is considered a masterpiece, followed by albums like Immortal Secrets (2000) and Breath of Life (2016). Khumalo performed globally, including at the Royal Albert Hall and Kennedy Center, and collaborated with artists like Jack DeJohnette.

She also served as Musical Director for the AFCON 2013 ceremonies and headed the music department at the Federated Union of Black Arts at age 24. Her work with the Khabi Mngoma Foundation, established in 2007, supported young artists through scholarships.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sibongilekhumalo
• Facebook Handle: Sibongile Khumalo

Personal Life

Sibongile Khumalo, a revered singer and songwriter, was born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. She married Siphiwe Khumalo, a sound technician and drama coach, until he passed from a heart attack in 2005.

Together, they had two children: a son, Tshepo Mngoma, a music educator, and a daughter, Ayanda Khumalo, a singer who performed at her mother’s 20th anniversary concert in 2012. Widowed at the time of her death, Sibongile faced health challenges, including a stroke, which led to her passing on January 28, 2021, at age 63.

She was deeply committed to her community, establishing the Khabi Mngoma Foundation to honor her father’s legacy. During a seven-year recording hiatus, she trained as an inyanga (traditional healer), reflecting her spiritual depth.

Khumalo was known for mentoring young female artists and championing South African vernacular music.

Discography

• Ancient Evenings (1996)
• Live at the Market Theatre (1998)
• Immortal Secrets (2000)
• Quest (2002)
• Sibongile Khumalo (2006)
• Greatest Hits (2006)
• Breath of Life (2016)
• Featured in UShaka kaSenzangakhona (1996, recording)
• Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu (2002, opera recording)
• REwind: A Cantata for Voice, Tape & Testimony (2007, with Philip Miller)

Net Worth

Sibongile Khumalo, a legendary singer and songwriter, had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her passing. Her income was derived from her extensive music career, including album sales, live performances, and international tours.

Additional earnings came from her roles as a music educator, Musical Director for events like AFCON 2013, and endorsements.