Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Child Together: Baby Boy Named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes
Ashanti has become a mother! The singer, 43, and her husband Nelly, 49, have welcomed their first child together, sharing the exciting news on Instagram. In the photo, Ashanti is seen posing in disposable underwear from Frida Mom, capturing a glimpse of her post-partum journey.
"Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!" a representative for the couple confirmed to PEOPLE.
Ashanti also shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, including a video of herself in a blue robe, proudly showing off her body four weeks postpartum. "You have no idea what this body can do," she said in the video.
The new mum expressed her joy and surprise in the caption: "Funny how lifeâs plans arenâtâ¦always on time.. lol. Iâve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!"
She continued, "This is what postpartum looks like... I'm loving these super cozy Frida Mom shorts! I'm so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby. ð."
The Grammy Award-winning artists first announced they were expecting their first child together in a video shared on Ashanti's Instagram. During a conversation with her mother, Tina Douglas, Ashanti jokingly revealed that she would need "about nine months" to prepare for a performance, prompting her mother's shock.
Ashanti later confirmed the news in an interview with Essence magazine, revealing that not only was she pregnant, but she and Nelly were also engaged. "This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation," she shared. "Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience."
Nelly and Ashanti officially tied the knot on December 27, 2023, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE in June. TMZ was the first to report their wedding news.
The couple sparked pregnancy rumours during a joint appearance at the 11th Black and White Ball in December 2023. While on stage, Ashanti rested her hands on her stomach, and Nelly mirrored her actions, both sharing a knowing smile and laughter, hinting at the impending baby news.
In September 2023, Nelly confirmed the couple's reconciliation during an appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show, stating that the reunion "surprised both of us." He explained that time apart had allowed them to gain a better understanding of each other, ultimately strengthening their bond.
Nelly is already a father to son Cornell III (known as Tre), 25, and daughter Chanelle (known as Nana), 30. The rapper also played a significant role in raising his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister, Jackie Donahue, passed away from leukemia at the age of 31 in March 2005.
