Afro-pop star Kelly Khumalo was a hot topic on Facebook after a page posted a screenshot recent video of the singer alongside an older picture.
South Africans engaged in a debate that goes beyond the surface of a mere transformation from being dark skinned to being a “yellow bone”
Kelly Khumalo looks lighter in Instagram Live
In a Facebook group, Turf (campus) Exposé. when a user, A Chauke, shared a screenshot from Kelly Khumalo’s recent video alongside an older picture. In the older picture, her skin is of a darker complexion compared to the recent one. The post was accompanied by the caption, “Kelly Khumalo went from being an African woman to a Korean teenage boy.” See post:
Facebook users in SA discuss colourism and beauty standards
The post of Kelly Khumalo, now with a staggering 21k reactions. The reactions from group members reflect the complexities surrounding colourism and diverse perceptions of beauty.
Mzansi split about Kelly Khumalo
It’s Funny
The spectrum of responses is vast, showcasing the diversity of perspectives within the community. Some readers find the comparison amusing with one group member even joking that “she is trying to confuse Senzo’s ghost”.
It’s self-hate
On the other end of the spectrum, criticism emerges, with some labelling Kelly’s new look as an act of self-hate, raising questions about the societal pressures that may drive such transformations. Add name and quote
She is beautiful
Simultaneously, there are those who find beauty in her current state, appreciating the evolving nature of identity and the right to self-reinvention. Additionally, some even alluded to the fact that those who have a problem with how she chose to alter her appearance should also have a problem with those who use makeup and hair extensions. Add names and quote
What is beauty in South Africa?
The comparison to a “Korean teenage boy” brings up racial stereotypes and also shows how cultural influences and personal decisions can be very complicated. Kelly Khumalo, as a public figure, inadvertently becomes a symbol or a representative figure within the ongoing debate on colourism and beauty standards. The choices she makes regarding her appearance resonate within a broader societal context, influencing perceptions of beauty and acceptance. It communicates that light skin is better, and some even draw the conclusion that colour is a contributing factor to one’s success.
Encouraging Thoughtful Conversation
This article aims to steer the conversation beyond mere observations, encouraging readers to reflect on the underlying factors that contribute to discussions on colourism and beauty standards. Make your voice heard in the comments section below.