Shekhinah - Biography, Career and Discography

Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, is a South African singer and songwriter who gained early recognition as a contestant on SA Idols. She made it to the Top 32 in Season 7 in 2011 and then reached the Top 6 in Season 8 in 2012. Her first studio album, *Rose Gold* (2017), became her most successful work, earning multi-platinum certification from RiSA. The album featured three number-one hits: "Suited," "Please Mr.," and "Different." Her follow-up album, *Trouble In Paradise* (2021), also achieved significant success, earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Early Life

Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, born on October 2, 1990, in Durban, South Africa, was abandoned by her biological parents at birth. As of date, Shekhinah is thirty-four years old. Fortunately, she was adopted by the Donnell family, with whom she developed a close bond. Her adoptive father, Phil Donnell, has been a key figure in her life, supporting her both emotionally and in her music career. Her adoptive mother resides in the United States, and despite the distance, they maintain a positive relationship, with her mother visiting when she can.

Career

In 2017, Shekhinah released her hit single "Suited," which topped the South African music charts and was later certified diamond by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The following year, she dropped two more singles, "Please Mr" and "Different," with "Please Mr" earning a gold certification.

Her debut studio album, *Rose Gold*, was released on October 6, 2017, under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. Shekhinah, along with contributors like David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Luke Goliath, and Mae N. Maejor, crafted an album that blends pop and R&B. *Rose Gold* became her most successful album, achieving multi-platinum status in South Africa. The album featured the singles "Suited," "Please Mr.," and "Different." At the 2018 South African Music Awards, *Rose Gold* garnered six nominations, winning in the categories of Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year.

On May 7, 2021, Shekhinah released her second studio album, *Trouble In Paradise*. The album, which included the singles "Fixate" and "Tide," was certified gold by RiSA. "Fixate" debuted at number one on the RAMS Chart.

In early March 2023, Shekhinah announced her third studio album, along with its lead single "Risk," featuring Moliy. The single was released on March 22, 2024, and debuted at number nine on the Local Radio Chart Top 10.

Discography

Studio Albums

2017 - Rose Gold

2021 - Trouble in Paradise

Singles

2015 - Back To The Bench

2015 - Let You Know

2016 - Never Change

2017 - Suited

2017 - Deme

2018 - Please Mr

2018 - Different

2019 - Anywhere We Go

2024 - Risk

2024 - Steady