Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, also known simply as Shekhinah, who was born on October 2, 1990 is a talented singer-songwriter from South Africa. She first gained recognition when she made it to the Top 32 on M-Net’s Season 7 of SA Idols in 2011, and then went on to reach the Top 6 in Season 8 in 2012.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Shekhinah Thandi Donnell |
| Date Of Birth: | October 2, 1990 |
| Place Of Birth: | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation(s): | Singer, Songwriter |
| Labels: | Sony Music |
| Net Worth: | $2.5 million |
Early Life And Education
Despite coming from a racially diverse family, Shekhinah shares that she never felt like an outsider. Her upbringing was harmonious until she entered high school and later pursued her studies at the university.
Reflecting in an interview, Shekhinah expressed, “The love I received at home was so profound, authentic, and unconditional. It shaped my love for all people. Despite facing moments of disrespect for not conforming to certain cultural norms or beauty standards, I held onto that love and respect instilled in me at home. While initial encounters of discrimination troubled me, I swiftly moved past them. By the time I was in grade 11, I had participated in Idols, and suddenly, I found myself surrounded by newfound friendships.”
From a young age, Shekhinah Singer had a deep love for music and enjoyed sharing her passion through performances. As a teenager, she seized an opportunity to participate in the seventh season of IDOLS where she placed at number thirty-two.
Recognizing her talent and determination, Shekhinah decided to return for the eighth season of the competition, this time achieving a higher ranking at number six.
Career
In 2017, Shekhinah made a significant mark in the music industry with her hit single “Suited”, which topped the music charts in South Africa and earned her a diamond plaque certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Following the success of “Suited”, Shekhinah released two more singles in 2018, “Please Mr” and “Different”, with “Please Mr” achieving gold certification.
Her debut studio album, “Rose Gold”, was released on October 6, 2017, under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. Co-written by Shekhinah, David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Luke Goliath, and Mae N.
Maejor, the album showcased her talents in the pop and R&B genres. “Rose Gold” became a best-selling album, earning multi-platinum certification in South Africa. The album featured three successful singles: “Suited”, “Please Mr”, and “Different”.
Shekhinah’s achievements did not go unnoticed, as she received six nominations at the 2018 South African Music Awards and won awards for Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year.
On May 7, 2021, Shekhinah released her highly anticipated second studio album, “Trouble In Paradise”. The album featured the singles “Fixate” and “Tide”, both of which contributed to its gold certification by RiSA. “Fixate” debuted at number 1 on the RAMS Chart.
Looking towards the future, Shekhinah announced her upcoming third studio album in early March 2023, along with the release of the lead single “Risk” featuring Moliy on March 22, 2024. “Risk” made a strong debut at No. 9 on the Local Radio Chart Top 10.
Personal Life
Shekhinah’s biological parents made the tough decision to leave her as a newborn but she was fortunate to be adopted by the Donnell family. She shares a strong bond with her adoptive family, particularly her foster father Phil Donnell, who has been instrumental in her journey as a singer.
Love Life
Phil not only provided her with physical support but also believed in her talent and offered emotional encouragement to help her pursue her career. Their relationship has played a vital role in Shekhinah’s growth as an artist.
Shekhinah Net Worth
Shekhinah was rumored to be in a relationship with K.O, but he publicly denied the rumors. Her current relationship status is unknown to the public as she has chosen to keep that part of her life private.
Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, better known as Shekhinah, is a South African singer-songwriter with an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.
Shekhinah Discography
Some of Shekhinah’s popular songs include:
- Suited
- Please Mr
- Different
- Fixate
- Tide
- Rose Gold
- Let You Know
- Back To The Beach (featuring Kyle Deutsch)
- We Belong to the Night (with Kyle Deutsch)
- What Child Is This?
Shekhinah has released the following albums:
- Rose Gold (2017)
- Trouble in Paradise (2021)