Kehlani Ethnicity: Kehlani Ashley Parrish, born Kehlani, is from a very rich and diverse ethnicity because of her multicultural background. She comes from a background of Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African descent.
Kehlani grew up in Oakland, California, with her aunt, which influenced her upbringing based on the variance of her heritage, something she often depicts in her music and personal life. It has been through the unique mix of cultural influences that she has portrayed in her life and art.
Thus, she can be connected to an even wider audience through her art. Kehlani’s background and her upbringing in a multiethnic family made her a prime figure in the music world and cultural discourses.
Table of Contents
Kehlani Bio/Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kehlani Ashley Parrish |
| Stage Name | Kehlani |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Ethnicity | Mexican, Filipino, Native American, African |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer |
| Genres | R&B, Neo-Soul, Pop |
| Height | 5’4″ (162 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Net Worth | $6 Million (as of 2025) |
| Education | Oakland School for the Arts |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | 1 (Daughter: Adeya Nomi) |
| Sexual Orientation | Lesbian |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, TikTok |
Who Is Kehlani?
Kehlani Ashley Parrish, professionally known as Kehlani, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and dancer hailing from Oakland, California. Born on April 24, 1995, Kehlani’s journey to fame began as a teenager when she joined the Oakland-based pop cover band Poplyfe.
With their unique sound and stage presence, the group achieved notable success, including a fourth-place finish on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent in 2011.
This exposure laid the groundwork for Kehlani’s solo career, marked by her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics that seamlessly blend R&B, neo-soul, and pop.
Kehlani’s rise to stardom has been accompanied by critical acclaim for her music, including hit mixtapes like Cloud 19 and albums such as SweetSexySavage and It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.
Beyond her musical achievements, Kehlani has been vocal about her identity and personal struggles, making her a relatable and influential figure for fans worldwide.
Her openness about her cultural heritage—Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African—and her LGBTQ+ identity has cemented her as an icon for authenticity and empowerment.
Kehlani Early Life
Kehlani Ashley Parrish was born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California, into a challenging environment that shaped her resilient and artistic spirit. Of Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African descent, Kehlani’s upbringing was marked by adversity.
Her mother battled substance abuse and was in and out of prison, while her father passed away when she was still a toddler. Early exposure to R&B and neo-soul artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu profoundly influenced her musical aspirations.
As a teenager, Kehlani attended the Oakland School for the Arts, where she initially focused on ballet and modern dance. Her dream of becoming a professional dancer was derailed by a knee injury, prompting her to shift her passion to singing.
This turning point ignited her music career, with her rich vocals and poignant songwriting reflecting the struggles and triumphs of her early life. Despite the hardships, Kehlani’s perseverance and natural talent laid the foundation for her future success in the music industry.
Kehlani Ethnicity
Kehlani Ashley Parrish proudly represents a rich and diverse heritage, embodying a unique blend of Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African descent.
This multicultural background has deeply influenced her identity and artistry, inspiring her to embrace and celebrate diversity in her music and public persona.
Growing up in Oakland, California, Kehlani was surrounded by the vibrant cultural influences of her community, which further shaped her creative expression and the soulful depth of her music.
Her eclectic roots are evident in the way she blends genres and styles, creating a sound that resonates across different audiences.
Kehlani has spoken openly about her heritage and how it has informed her journey, both personally and professionally. As someone who navigates multiple cultural identities, she often incorporates themes of self-discovery and belonging into her music, connecting with fans from various backgrounds.
Kehlani Career
Kehlani’s career began with her involvement in the pop cover band Poplyfe, which gained recognition after finishing in fourth place on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent in 2011. The exposure helped her establish a foundation in the music industry.
After leaving the group, Kehlani faced challenges but persevered, releasing her first solo mixtape, Cloud 19, in 2014. The mixtape garnered critical acclaim and marked her emergence as a promising R&B artist.
Her follow-up mixtape, You Should Be Here (2015), earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album, further solidifying her status as an artist to watch.
Since then, Kehlani has released several successful projects, including her debut studio album SweetSexySavage (2017) and subsequent albums such as It Was Good Until It Wasn’t (2020) and Blue Water Road (2022).
Known for her heartfelt lyrics and genre-blending style, Kehlani has collaborated with top artists like Cardi B, Justin Bieber, and G-Eazy. Beyond music, her journey as a dancer and performer has set her apart, making her one of the most dynamic and relatable voices in contemporary R&B.
Kehlani Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Body Type | Slim and athletic |
| Hair Color | Naturally black, often dyed |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Skin Tone | Warm and radiant |
| Distinct Features | Tattoos, edgy style, radiant smile |
| Piercings | Multiple, including nose and ears |
| Fashion Style | Urban, chic, and bohemian-inspired |
Kehlani Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship status
Kehlani’s personal life has often been a topic of interest due to her openness about her relationships and identity. Early in her career, Kehlani was linked to NBA star Kyrie Irving in 2016. However, their relationship became embroiled in controversy after rumors of infidelity, which Kehlani denied.
The fallout from the public scrutiny took a toll on her mental health, leading to a challenging period in her life. In 2019, Kehlani began dating rapper YG, but the relationship ended after reports of infidelity surfaced.
In 2018, Kehlani revealed she was pregnant with her first child, fathered by her friend and guitarist Javaughn Young-White. She gave birth to her daughter Adeya Nomi in 2019, whom she has described as her greatest blessing.
Kehlani has also been candid about her evolving identity, coming out as queer and later identifying as a lesbian. Currently, she prioritizes her role as a mother and her career, often choosing to keep her romantic life private.
Kehlani Net Worth
Kehlani’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, reflecting her success as a singer, songwriter, and performer. She initially gained fame as part of the teen pop band Poplyfe and later built a thriving solo career in the R&B and neo-soul genres.
Her mixtapes, such as You Should Be Here and albums like SweetSexySavage and It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, have earned critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying her position in the music industry.
In addition to her music earnings, Kehlani generates income from endorsements, merchandise, and live performances. Kehlani’s journey to financial success is a testament to her resilience and hard work.
Beyond music, she has ventured into social activism and collaborations with prominent brands, expanding her revenue streams. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Kehlani has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Kehlani Plan and Goals
Kehlani’s future plans involve pushing creative boundaries in her music and exploring new artistic avenues. Known for her authenticity and emotional depth, she aims to continue creating music that resonates with fans and addresses themes of love, identity, and personal growth.
Kehlani has expressed a desire to delve deeper into producing and writing for other artists, expanding her influence within the music industry. Additionally, she hopes to incorporate more diverse genres into her work, blending R&B with pop, hip-hop, and neo-soul elements to reach a broader audience.
Beyond her music career, Kehlani is passionate about advocating for social change and uplifting marginalized communities. She plans to use her platform to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, mental health awareness, and racial equality initiatives.
Kehlani also envisions contributing to sustainable living and community-driven projects, inspired by her farm-based lifestyle in California. With her artistic vision and dedication to meaningful causes, Kehlani’s goals align with her commitment to both personal and collective growth.
Kehlani on Social Media
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| @kehlani | 15.9M | Personal updates, music promotions, lifestyle photos, and advocacy posts. | |
| @Kehlani | 118.8K | Engaging with fans, sharing thoughts, and promoting music/events. | |
| TikTok | @kehlani | 6.5M | Fun, creative videos, music previews, and personal moments. |
| YouTube | Kehlani | 4.1M | Music videos, live performances, and behind-the-scenes content. |
| Kehlani | 4.9M | Music updates, event announcements, and personal posts. |
Fun Facts about Kehlani Ethnicity
Diverse Heritage:
Kehlani is of Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African descent, making her a proud representation of diverse cultures.
Early Dance Ambitions:
Before focusing on singing, Kehlani trained in ballet and modern dance, aspiring to attend Juilliard before a knee injury shifted her path.
America’s Got Talent:
At just 14 years old, Kehlani was part of the pop group Poplyfe, which finished in fourth place on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent.
Self-Taught Musician:
Kehlani taught herself how to play multiple instruments, including guitar and piano, to support her songwriting.
Inspiring LGBTQ+ Advocacy:
Kehlani identifies as queer, pansexual, and later as lesbian, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in her music and public persona.
Passionate About Tattoos:
She is heavily tattooed, with intricate body art representing different phases and values in her life.
Collaborations with Top Artists:
Kehlani has collaborated with major artists like Chance the Rapper, Cardi B, and Zayn Malik, expanding her reach in the music industry.
Mental Health Advocate:
Kehlani is vocal about her struggles with mental health, using her platform to speak openly about self-care and personal growth.
Music Inspiration:
Growing up, Kehlani was inspired by neo-soul and R&B artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Alicia Keys, which influenced her unique sound.
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Kehlani has her own fashion line, Kehlani Collection, that showcases her bold style and creative vision.
Kehlani Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Kehlani Ethnicity
What is Kehlani real name?
Kehlani’s full name is Kehlani Ashley Parrish.
What is Kehlani ethnicity?
Kehlani is of Mexican, Filipino, Native American, and African descent.
Is Kehlani married?
As of now, Kehlani is not married, but she has been in relationships with notable figures, including rapper YG and guitarist Javaughn Young-White.
What is Kehlani net worth?
Kehlani net worth is estimated to be around $6 million as of 2025.
How old is Kehlani?
Kehlani was born on April 24, 1995, making her 30 years old in 2025.
What was Kehlani first big break in music?
Kehlani’s first significant break came as a member of the band Poplyfe, which gained attention on America’s Got Talent in 2011.
What is Kehlani sexual orientation?
Kehlani has identified as queer, pansexual, and later as lesbian, using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Conclusion of Kehlani Ethnicity
Kehlani is a multifaceted artist whose journey from a young pop band member to a solo R&B sensation has been marked by resilience and authenticity. With her distinct voice and personal storytelling, she has earned a place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
Beyond her artistry, Kehlani has become an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of self-expression and empowerment.
Through her ups and downs, including personal struggles and growth, Kehlani continues to inspire fans with her openness and ability to connect deeply with listeners on a global scale.