Ashanti and Nelly Welcome Their First Child, Share His Name: “I’ve Waited So Long to Be a Mom”

“Funny how life’s plans aren’t always on time,” Ashanti quipped in a heartfelt Instagram post.

The musical duo, Ashanti and Nelly, have joyfully announced the birth of their first child together.

On Wednesday, the “Foolish” singer shared the exciting news with her Instagram followers, posting a selfie in a flowing satin robe. Alongside the photo, she wrote, “Funny how life’s plans aren’t always on time… lol. I’ve been waiting a long time to be a mom, but nothing could’ve prepared me for everything motherhood brings!”

Ashanti, proud of her journey into motherhood, added, “This is what postpartum looks like. I’m so proud of my body for bringing me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby.” Known for her clever wordplay, she slyly referenced her 2001 hit with Ja Rule, “Always On Time,” while also nodding to her 2002 single “Baby.”

 

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A spokesperson for the couple confirmed to E News! that Ashanti and Nelly welcomed a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Hayes on July 18, 2024. “The proud parents are absolutely smitten with KK!” the rep shared.

Ashanti and Nelly’s love story dates back to 2003 when they first crossed paths at a Grammy Awards press conference, where Nelly playfully asked for her autograph. By 2005, the two were officially a couple, making their public debut together the following year. Over the years, they collaborated on music, including the 2009 hit “Body On Me,” but eventually parted ways in 2013.

Much to the delight of fans, the couple rekindled their romance in 2023. During an appearance on Philo’s “Boss Moves with Rasheeda,” Nelly reflected on their reunion, saying, “Yeah, we cool again… I think it surprised both of us. It wasn’t something we planned, but we’re just doing what we do.”

In April, the couple revealed their pregnancy with a touching Instagram video. In the clip, Ashanti’s mother, Tina Douglas, asks her backstage at a show, “How long will you need?” With a smile, Ashanti responds, “I’m gonna need about nine months.” The post also confirmed the couple had tied the knot.

Kareem Kenkaide is the couple’s first child together, marking a new chapter nearly 20 years after they first started dating. While this is Ashanti’s first child, Nelly is already a father of four. He shares Chanelle (born 1994) and Cornell (born 1999) with his ex-girlfriend Channetta Valentine, and he adopted his niece and nephew, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after the death of his sister, Jackie Donahue, in 2005.

In 2023, Nelly made headlines when he sold half of his music catalog, including hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma” featuring Kelly Rowland, and “Ride Wit Me,” earning him a reported $50 million. Most recently, in February 2024, both Nelly and Ashanti appeared on Jermaine Dupri’s single “This Lil’ Game We Play” alongside Juicy J.