Ashanti and Nelly have officially welcomed their first child together.
The joyful couple introduced their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, who was born on July 18, 2024. The announcement came through Ashanti’s Instagram post, where she proudly shared her postpartum journey.
In her post, Ashanti appeared in Frida Mom disposable underwear, standing in front of a mirror. She captured the special moment, showcasing what her postpartum experience looked like. In the caption, she expressed her excitement and love for her son, referring to him affectionately as “KK.” She acknowledged how surreal and overwhelming motherhood felt, especially after waiting so long to become a mom.
Transitioning into motherhood, Ashanti took a moment to express her admiration for her own body, writing how proud she was of her strength. Sharing a video of herself in a blue robe, she highlighted how her body had changed, exclaiming, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.” Her words echoed her deep appreciation for the journey into motherhood, while humorously showing her love for her new mom wardrobe. She gushed over how much she loved her cozy postpartum shorts from Frida Mom, and once again, she couldn’t help but mention how her body amazed her by giving her this beautiful baby.
The couple’s journey to this moment has been one filled with excitement and love. Their pregnancy announcement came in a sweet, humorous way. Ashanti shared a video where she teased the news to her mother while preparing for a performance. Her mom, Tina Douglas, asked her how much time she needed to be ready, to which Ashanti quipped, “Uh, I’m gonna need about nine months.” Her mother’s shocked expression perfectly captured the surprise and joy of the moment.
Ashanti further revealed their baby news in an interview with Essence. In the interview, Ashanti glowed with happiness and anticipation, sharing her thoughts on becoming a mother. She described this new chapter as a blessing, full of love and hope. Her words reflected her excitement about embarking on motherhood, a dream she had long held dear. She was also thrilled to share the experience with her family and fiancé Nelly, as well as her loyal fans who have supported her career throughout the years.
Nelly and Ashanti’s relationship journey has been one to watch. The two tied the knot on December 27, 2023, a milestone reported by TMZ. The couple first sparked pregnancy rumors during the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December. While onstage, Ashanti placed her hands on her stomach, a subtle but telling gesture that many fans interpreted as a hint that baby news was coming. Nelly noticed the gesture, too, and the couple shared a sweet moment that resulted in wide smiles and laughter.
Their reconciliation, confirmed by Nelly during an appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show, surprised fans and the couple alike. Nelly explained how their time apart helped them understand one another better. His candid reflection on their relationship showed how sometimes space and growth can lead to a deeper connection. While neither planned to rekindle their relationship, their bond grew stronger over time.
Nelly, already a father, brings his experience in parenting to this new chapter with Ashanti. He is a father to two children, son Cornell III, 25, and daughter Chanelle, 30. Nelly also helped raise his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister passed away in 2005. His experience in raising children adds to the love and guidance Kareem will receive from both parents.
As Ashanti and Nelly embark on this new journey, their love for each other and their growing family shines brightly. Their fans, friends, and family continue to celebrate with them as they welcome little Kareem into their world. With this new chapter, their bond only grows stronger, filled with love, laughter, and joy.