Ashanti and Nelly welcome first child and reveal cute name
Obsessed with this news! 💙
Congratulations are in order for music legends Ashanti and Nelly, as the couple have announced they've welcomed their first child into the world - a healthy baby boy!
As well as posting a photo of herself on Instagram, showing fans what postpartum looks like, 43-year-old Ashanti confirmed their lovely news to Entertainment Tonight, revealing she gave birth to her son on 18th July.
Confirming they've chosen the name Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, KK for short, Ashanti told the publication: “His dad named him with a lot of pride. Kenkaide is a tribute to her own father’s name and Kareem meaning generous, kind and dignified spoke to the couple.
"KK had a dignified birth, coming just a little early, causing Nelly to fly in last minute to make it in time. Having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time, I cried it was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time.
“Having a vision of this moment for so long...it was such an electrifying feeling.”
New mum Ashanti also told ET how she coping with motherhood. She said: “My son definitely dictates everything now, he is the priority overall and I don’t care what it will take, what I have to do, I’m just going to give everything and my all to my son.
"This little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”
Check out which other famous faces have welcomed babies in 2024:
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari
Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel and his model girlfriend Audra Mari welcomed their first child together in January 2024. The happy couple took to Instagram to announce their son Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel was born on 11th Jan.
Aston Merrygold and Sarah Lou Richards
JLS singer Aston Merrygold and his wife Sarah Lou Richards welcomed their third child in March, a baby girl called Riley Skye Merrygold.
Lucy Watson and James Dunmore
Former Made In Chelsea stars Lucy Watson and James Dunmore welcomed their first child into the world in March. The pair shared the news on Instagram that they'd welcomed a baby boy called Willoughby James Watson-Dunmore.
Gal Gadot
After keeping her pregnancy a secret, Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot announced the birth of her fourth child in March, a baby girl called Ori.
Kendall Rae Knight and Andrew Hughes
Love Island 2018 star Kendall Rae Knight and her boyfriend, footballer Andrew Hughes, welcomed a baby boy into the world in March. Sharing the news on social media, Kendall confirmed her son is called Cooper Cole Hughes.
Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges
Pitch Perfect star Adam DeVine and his wife Chloe Bridges welcomed their first child into the world in March 2024. Adam shared news of the birth on social media, writing: 'Meet lil baby Beau Devine! He can be fussy at times but we've already learned some great parenting techniques. Do your best fussy baby impression along with him and he'll straighten right out.' (sic)
David Guetta and Jessica Ledon
After the French DJ and his girlfriend Jessica Ledon announced they were expecting their first child together in November 2023 while on the red carpet for the Latin Grammys, David shared the wonderful news that they had welcomed baby Cyan in March 2024! Sharing a sweet picture of the three of them, they wrote: 'Love is in the air ❤️'.
Welcome Cyan
Cameron Diaz and Benj Madden
Actress Cameron Diaz and her husband, Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden, welcomed their second child into the world in 2024. The pair took to social media to confirm the birth of their baby boy, revealing he's called Cardinal Madden.
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson
Although they've not yet officially confirmed the birth of their baby, Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson have been photographed walking around LA whilst pushing a pram. Suki was last spotted in February looking heavily pregnant.
Fleur East and Marcel Badiane-Robin
TV and Radio presenter Fleur East and her husband Marcel Badiane-Robin welcomed their first child into the world in March 2024. Fleur took to social media to reveal she'd welcomed a baby girl called Nova.
Emily and Peter Andre
Emily and Peter announced the birth of their third child in April 2024, revealing they've welcomed a baby girl. Peter shared adorable photos of their daughter just moments after Emily gave birth, with the couple confirming she's called Arabella Rose Andréa one month later.
Anne-Marie and Slowthai
Anne-Marie and her husband Slowthai welcomed a little girl called Seven in February 2024, however it wasn't until April that Anne-Marie shared her first pic of the baby and confirmed her name. Anne-Marie kept her pregnancy a secret for the full nine months!
Josh Bowman and Emily VanCamp
Revenge stars Josh Bowman and Emily VanCamp welcomed their second daughter into the world in March 2024, announcing the lovely news the following month and revealing her gorgeous name - Rio Rose!
Amelia Tank and Olly Murs
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Bliss Poureetezadi-Goytowski and Zack Goytowski
Love Is Blind series four couple Bliss Poureetezadi-Goytowski and Zack Goytowski welcomed their first child together in April, a baby girl called Galileo Terri Rayne. The pair told PEOPLE: "We are so in love with our precious, beautiful baby girl. We are forever changed and are so blessed to spend the rest of our lives loving her. She is our moon, our stars, the centre of our universe."
Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma
In May 2024, Hilary Duff welcomed her fourth child - a girl named Townes Meadow Bair! The little one, who is her third child with husband Matthew Koma, was born on 3rd May, with Hilary announcing her arrival on Instagram. She wrote: 'I Have been dreaming of holding you in my arms for months and the past 5 days of getting to know you, stare at you and smell you has been pure moments of magic. We all love you like you've been here all along beauty.'
Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow
Love Island 2017 couple Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow welcomed their third baby into the world in May 2024, their first son! The couple announced the news on social media revealing they'd chosen the name Brodie.
Jessica Hayes and Zeb
Love Island 2015 winner Jessuca Hayes and her fiancé Zeb announced the lovely news in May 2024 that they'd welcomed their first child together. The couple welcomed a baby girl called Zendaya Rose.
Anne-Marie Corbett and Ant McPartlin
Anne-Marie Corbett and Ant McPartlin welcomed their first child together in May, a heathy baby boy called Wilder Patrick Mcpartlin. Proud dad Ant announced the news on social media, expressing his love for their new arrival.
Sam and Briony Aston
Coronation Street actor Sam Aston and his wife Briony welcomed their third child into the world in May 2024! The happy couple announced their news on social media, revealing they welcomed a baby girl called Hazel.
Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge
Model Sofia Richie shared the lovely news that she and her husband Elliot Grainge had welcomed their first child into the world in May. The married couple welcomed a baby girl called Eloise.
Carley Stenson and Danny Mac
Former Hollyoaks couple Carley Stenson and Danny Mac welcomed their second child together in May, a baby boy called Beauie. Sharing the news on Instagram in June, the proud parents wrote: 'Beauie Mac. Been in our LOVE bubble since 18/04/24. We adore you'.
Daisy May Cooper
This Country star Daisy May Cooper took to Instagram in June to thank staff at Gloucester's delivery suite after she gave birth to her son early. Baby Benji is the actor's third child.
Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente
Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente welcomed a baby girl in June 2024, called Chloe Rossi Balbuziente. The pair met on Married At First Sight Australia back in 2020, before going on to get married for real in 2023.
Joe and Rosie Wicks
Fitness coach Joe Wicks and his wife Rosie welcomed their fourth child into the world in June, a baby boy! The couple announced their news on social media, they already share Indie, Marley and Leni.
Emily Atack and Alistair Garner
Former I'm A Celeb star and actress Emily Atack welcomed her first child with her partner Alistair Garner in June. The pair welcomed a baby boy called Barney James Garner, sharing a super cute photo on Instagram.
Jenna Dewan and Steve Kazee
Actress Jenna Dewan announced the arrival of her third child, her second with her fiancé Jenna Dewan and Steve Kazee, in June. The couple announced they'd welcomed a baby girl called Rhiannon Lee Kathryn Kazee.
Emily Miller and Cam Holmes
Too Hot To Handle stars Emily Miller and Cam Holmes announced in June they'd welcomed a baby boy called Reggie Ruston Miller-Holmes. The pair, who met on the Netflix reality show in 2020, shared a cute photo on Instagram.
Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian
Former Big Brother star Brian Dowling and his husband Arthur Gourounlian welcomed their second child via surrogate in June. Brian confirmed the lovely news on Instagram, revealing they have another daughter called Blu Amar Rose Dowling Gourounlian.
Sophie Rundle and Matt Stokoe
Peaky Blinders actress Sophie Rundle and her husband Matt Stokoe welcomed their second child together at the end of June, a baby boy! Sharing the news on social media, Sophie wrote: ''He's here. I am fully ready and expecting to nosedive off the hormonal cliff edge at any moment but for now I am riding this heavenly wave of perfect love'.
Katie Griffiths
Waterloo Road actress Katie Griffiths welcomed her first child with her husband Matthew Wardle in June. Katie shared a photo of herself with her son, writing: 'Welcome to the world Cassius. After 10 months of waiting, we're so happy to finally meet you ❤️❤️❤️. I've been quite unsure if I would post photos of him on my Instagram so this may well be one of the only ones but after 10 months of sharing pregnancy photos it seemed only fair to post the result.'
Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker
High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens and her husband Cole Tucker were spotted leaving a hospital in California on 3rd July, cradling their newborn!
Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant
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Nelly and Ashanti
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Justin and Hailey Bieber
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Lea Michele and Zandy Reich
Glee actress Lea Michele and her husband Zandy Reich welcomed their second child into the world in August. Sharing the news on Instagram, Lea revealed the couple welcomed a baby girl called Emery Sol Reich.
Cardi B
'WAP' singer Cardi B became a mum of three on 7th September, already being a proud mum to six-year-old Kulture and two-year-old Wave. The American rapper announced she was pregnant with her third child as she filed for divorce from her husband Offset. Announcing the news with a sweet picture of her and her new bundle of joy, she wrote: 'The prettiest lil thing 🌸🌸 9/7/24 💖💖💖'. (sic)
Joanne Froggatt
Actress Joanne Froggatt, known for roles in the likes of Downton Abbey, Liar and Breathtaking, welcomed her first child into the world in September, according to Mail Online. The actress announced her pregnancy in June, showing off her bump at the Into Film Awards in London.
Jenna Coleman
Actress Jenna Coleman announced in June she was expecting her first child with her partner Jamie Childs, showing off her stunning bump at the opening of a new exhibition called 'Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah', at Chatsworth House. Although she never publicly announced her birth, Jenna was spotted out on a walk in early October with her new bundle of joy.
Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish
Footballer Jack Grealish and his long-term girlfriend Sasha Attwood welcomed their first child into the world in late September, a baby girl called Mila Rose Grealish. Both Jack and Sasha shared a black and white photo of their new bundle of joy to Instagram, with Sasha calling her arrival 'The most special moment of my life '.
Megan McKenna and Oliver Burke
Reality star Megan McKenna and her footballer fiancé Oliver Burke welcomed their first child into the world in October. Megan shared the news of her son's arrival on social media, revealing he's called Landon Henry Burke.
Ashley Tisdale and Christopher French
Disney star and American actress Ashley Tisdale welcomed her second child with husband Christopher French in September 2024. Sharing the news on social media, Ashley confirmed she'd given birth to a baby girl called Emerson Clover. The pair also welcomed a daughter called Jupiter Iris French in March 2021.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley
According to reports, Barbie star Margot Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley welcomed their first child together in October 2024. The happy couple reportedly welcomed a baby boy.
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger
Hollywood actors Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger announced the birth of their son in November. Chris posted the news on Instagram, writing: 'We are overjoyed to announce the birth of our son, Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt. Mama and baby are doing well and Ford's siblings are thrilled by his arrival. We feel so blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris'. (sic)
Georgia Bell
Gogglebox star Georgia Bell welcomed her second child with her boyfriend Josh Newby in November. She posted some cute photos on Instagram alongside the caption: 'Ralphie James Newby💫 Our precious boy born Nov 10th 11:27pm weighing 7lbs10oz🤍🧸 Settling into the life of a family of 5, we all love you unbelievable amounts little one'.
After confirming they'd rekindled their romance in 2023, GRAMMY-nominated artists Ashanti and Nelly confirmed they were engaged and expecting their first child back in April.
Speaking to Essence at the time, Ashanti gushed: "This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation. 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."
Congratulations to Ashanti and Nelly on the birth of their baby boy! 💙
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