A large Christmas tree with gifts under it. The smell of delicious roasts and baked goods and the sound of children running and laughing as they chase each other around the house.
If definitely feels a lot like Christmas in the Morule household as rapper Khuli Chana and his wife DJ Lamiez Holworthy host their families to celebrate Christmas together, as a unit.
Anyone who works in the entertainment industry can confirm that this is the busiest time of the year for artists because they have gigs one after the other.
But no matter how busy they are, Khuli and Lamiez say Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are off limits.
“This is a time that we dedicate to family,” says Khuli.
“We both work extremely hard, but we have made it our family tradition to put everything on hold for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so that we can focus on our loved ones. Then we go back to work on the 26th,” she says.
The celebrity couple reluctantly shares that they do not cook, but Lamiez insists that she makes a mean chicken curry.
“My mom and aunts cook. I just make sure everyone has everything they need and they are all comfortable.”
Having a son has been a game changer for Khuli, he says.
Read more | Here’s the super sweet reason Khuli Chana is now inked like Lamiez Holworthy
“I am even learning how to braai now, because I want my son to enjoy meat that I have made. This Christmas is particularly special for our family because it is our son’s first Christmas.
“This time of year is great because our moms are busy cooking in the kitchen cooking, and we are like kids again and we’re relaxing and enjoying the food.”
The family also enjoys watching Christmas movies together and introducing all the kids to the classics the couple grew up watching.
“Home Alone is definitely on the list of movies. The kids are also starting to like Matilda. We also watch movies like Little Rascals. We watch all the Christmas movies that are on the different streaming platforms, and we just have a movie marathon."
Having grown up or being raised differently, it is important for them to start their traditions.
“We did things a certain way at home when I was kid, Lamiez also grew up doing certain things and now as a family we are starting our own traditions. I think it is okay to borrow this and that from what the parents did, but we are doing things our way. Our home, our rules,” he says.
Lamiez is not shy to admit that she had a crush on Khuli when she was a schoolgirl.
“It’s not a secret that I had a huge crush on him as a kid. I even had a picture of him on my wall. When we first started dating, I was very deliberate about not doing things with him publicly because I wanted to build a solid brand for myself outside of just being ‘Khuli Chana’s girlfriend’. Over the years we have both grown in careers, as a couple and individually. I am very proud of how far we have come.
“I will admit there was pressure in the beginning. But instead of being threatened by it, I am inspired to do more. He has played a big role in all that I have become. For us, it was never about being the ‘it’ couple, couple goals or even a power couple. We fell in love with the real people and not the celebrity status.”
As people reflect on the year and plan for the new year, Khuli says he feels blessed to have transitioned from just being a hip hop artist, but he is also recognised in business and as a family man.
“Once you hit your mid-thirties, in the hip hop world they start calling you a grootman. There is a lot of ageism in hip hop. I am truly grateful that I am appreciated as family man. It is validating to me. I have always wanted to be a family and now I am seen beyond my talent in hip hop.
“For me, it is all about building a legacy and generational wealth. I hope to raise kids that will be proud to be part of this family. I pray that the next generation will carry the torch and raise the bar.”
