Award-winning singer Rethabile Khumalo, daughter of renowned musician Winnie Khumalo, is expressing gratitude as she returns to the music scene after a traumatic experience. Following an alleged food poisoning incident that landed her in the hospital, Rethabile is now focused on her recovery and is ready to pick up where she left off, reported by Daily Sun.
The Umlilo hitmaker, known for her collaborations with top artists like DJ Zinhle and Grammy-winning producer Master KG, was reportedly poisoned by someone close to her, which led to a hospital stay on June 27. Rethabile shared that she’s since learned valuable lessons about trust. “You can’t trust everyone around you. It’s always safer to keep your circle small. I’ve learned to limit access to those who truly want to be in my life,” she told Daily Sun.
Now recovering at home, the 27-year-old is feeling stronger and excited to be back doing what she loves. Though she hasn’t shared whether she took legal action, she’s choosing to focus on her music and explore new opportunities. “I’m excited to be back, but I also want to explore acting and presenting. I hope to inspire others to keep pushing through even during their hardest times,” she said.
Since her return, Rethabile has been promoting her music on social media, eager to connect with her fans again. Her latest single, Egalile, released in August, is all about love—a reminder, she says, that “love still exists, even in tough times.”
Reflecting on the incident, Rethabile shared her desire to spread positivity. “These days, we see so much violence, people turning against each other. I want to spread a message of love and unity through my music,” she explained.
Her message to aspiring artists and young people is one of perseverance. Despite having faced multiple rejections herself, including two unsuccessful auditions for Idols SA, she encourages others to keep going. “Don’t lose hope. Keep pushing forward, no matter what. It’s important to always try,” she advised.