Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Baby Together

Ashanti, the Grammy-winning singer best known for her hit “Foolish,” has officially stepped into motherhood.

The American songwriter and her husband, rapper Nelly, joyfully welcomed their first son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. Afterwards, she announced the exciting news via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt post and a video that highlighted her postpartum journey.

In her Instagram post, Ashanti opened up about how motherhood has impacted her. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t always on time,” she wrote, adding that she had long dreamed of being a mom. Yet, “nothing could prepare me for everything motherhood brings!” she added.

The singer proudly expressed her gratitude for her body and shared her experiences of coping with the fourth trimester.

Ashanti also gave a shoutout to the postpartum underwear she was wearing, lightheartedly adding, “I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby.” Despite the challenges, Ashanti made it clear that her new life as a mom was worth the wait.

Introducing Kareem Kenkaide Haynes

The couple’s baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, was born slightly ahead of schedule. The name holds a special meaning for Ashanti, as Kenkaide is a tribute to her father.

Ashanti revealed that Nelly named their son with great pride, and it was all his idea to name him after her dad. “When I saw his face for the first time, I cried,” she shared, recalling the deeply emotional and spiritual experience of becoming a mother.

Nelly, who has two children from previous relationships—daughter Chanelle Haynes and son Cornell Haynes—was overjoyed to welcome his third child. He was present in the delivery room, an experience Ashanti described as electrifying.

Ashanti and Nelly’s Journey Together

Ashanti and Nelly have had quite the journey to this milestone. After meeting in the early 2000s, the couple dated privately on and off for nearly a decade.

In 2021, after a chance reunion at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle, the couple rekindled their relationship. Then, they officially tied the knot in December 2023, just a few months before Ashanti announced her pregnancy in April 2024.

The couple’s reconnection after years apart was unexpected but welcome. Nelly even admitted that their rekindled romance had surprised both of them, sharing, “It wasn’t anything that I think was planned.”

Navigating New Parenthood

As Ashanti embraces her new role as a mother, she has already started sharing her experiences with her fans. In a candid interview, she talked about the change’s motherhood brings and offered advice to fellow new moms. “Follow your gut instinct and keep strong no matter what the obstacles bring,” she said, emphasizing the importance of staying balanced while caring for a newborn.

Ashanti also reflected on the powerful connection she feels with her son, who she says already has her “entire soul wrapped around his finger.” For Ashanti, this new chapter is about creating a harmonious balance between motherhood, self-care, and her ongoing career.

Ashanti’s journey into motherhood is a dream come true, and she’s looking forward to all that lies ahead. For her, this new stage of life is filled with love, hope, and joy.