Celebrities treat their homes as sacred spaces where they retreat to after a long day of work, rubbing shoulders with fans, and putting on a smile in public places – even when things are falling apart in their lives. That is why it’s rare to get a celebrity’s invitation to their humble abode, unless you are family or a close friend.
But award-winning disc jockey Lamiez Holworthy and her rapper husband, Khuli Chana, have invited TRUELOVE to experience their home with them. It’s a mansion situated in an estate in the heart of a game reserve that is on the outskirts of Pretoria.
From the moment you walk in, there is a warm ambience. Two giant- size canvases of the Motswako rapper and the Live Amp presenter hang above the stairs, making it hard not to notice whose home it is. There is laughter in the air and a lovely aroma coming from the kitchen. Lamiez’s mom and manager, Imelda Klow, is preparing some treats. Unfortunately, Khuli Chana, who is meant to be part of the shoot, is unable join us because he has to dash off to his hometown of Mafikeng in the North West due to a family emergency. But the show must go on.
A TRANQUIL AURA
Lamiez emerges in her couture animal-print pyjamas. She looks just as beautiful as we see her on her social media accounts, where she often lets fans into her world. She is wearing her infectious smile like she always does. “Welcome to my home!” she chuckles, grabbing a meatball and a spring roll. She then steps into the lounge area, sits comfortably on a coach and excitedly says, “What you see here is our little piece of heaven. We chose this estate particularly because it’s secluded, quiet and safe. Most importantly, we get to take walks on the game reserve amongst zebras and buck.”
The place may be quite far away, but Lamiez and Khuli Chana are close enough to everything they need: family, work and shops. “We are pretty far and don’t get unnecessary visitors. Our home is our sanctuary – our peaceful place. Work gets hectic at times, so this becomes our escape from the busy life.”
SUNSHINE IN THE MIDST OF A STORM
Last year may have been a year many cursed due to the deadly pandemic not only taking people’s lives, but it also affected people’s livelihood. But for Lamiez and her hubby, 2020 was when they moved into this breathtaking establishment. “It’s crazy. Last year was the biggest year of my career. I marked 10 years as a deejay and two years as a TV presenter on Live Amp. I’m grateful and know that God and my ancestors are at work.
I believe in God and my ancestors and their timing. What is meant for you will always happen regardless of what is happening in the world,” she says. “All that I have achieved, even this home, is a reflection of their love for me and the blessings that are yet to come.”
Lamiez makes no secret of the fact that spirituality plays a huge role in her and her hubby’s lives. “Nothing makes me happier than knowing that my husband and I pray and acknowledge God and our ancestors together. I’m happy and in a good place because of this,” the Pretoria- born biker smiles.
THEIR PERSONALITIES SHINE THROUGH
We know Lamiez to be bubbly and energetic from the videos she posts of her gigs, and it’s the same energy she displays as she shows us around her stunning home. The home, which took nine months to build, is a reflection of both her and Khuli Chana’s personalities. “We built this house from scratch. Both of us were involved – from choosing the TV display cabinet to deciding on the position of the pool and the boma, and other finer details. Every piece of it is a piece of me and Khulane,” she says.
Khulane is Khuli Chana’s full name and a name Lamiez prefers to call him by. Lamiez takes a deep breath and adds, “Believe it or not, we went furniture shopping for everything. We would buy stuff and store it in the garage so that when we moved in, we had everything. We had an idea of how we wanted our house to look like.”
Lamiez couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved, considering that building this dream house was stressful at times. Luckily, as they were building the dream house, they were able to move into the same estate and could keep an eye on its progress. They also wanted their seven-year-old daughter, from Khuli Chana’s previous relationship, to be close to school, which is inside the estate.
“Building the house was exciting but stressful. You go from agreeing on one thing with the builders to changing your mind. The architects also make promises, but they can’t deliver on time sometimes and just when you think you have everything under control, Covid-19 happens. You really go through a string of emotions.”
The house, which has breathtaking views, has bedrooms upstairs and downstairs, a kitchen, lounge and dining area. Her kitchen is unconventional. There are SMEG appliances and Le Creuset cookware, indicating that this is a couple with a taste for the finer things in life. “I have always wanted a beautiful kitchen that I would enjoy being in, even though I don’t like cooking, I wanted a kitchen that would inspire me to cook and that’s exactly what I have,” says the face of the Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon.
Lots of light comes through the house as the areas overlooking the pool and boom are purely glass.
“Seeing the sky and the outside gives me hope. It’s refreshing and breathtaking,” says Lamiez.
But, she maintains her favourite spot in the house has to be the lounge.
“Our lounge is comfy and intimate as this is where we spend most of our time as a family. Personally, I didn’t want a lounge that looks like a museum. I wanted it to be homely, where no one ever feels uncomfortable about sitting somewhere because it might break,” she says. When she is hanging out alone, Lamiez prefers sitting on the patio and reading.
MASTERPIECES
The couple’s love for art is evident as beautiful pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings and photographs, hang all around the house. However, a ceramic portrait of the late Winnie Mandela is the one that’s most striking. “My husband loves art and he has enhanced that love in me. I have always loved South African artists and Khulane taught me how much of an investment art is. Not only is every piece in our home special, but is also an investment,” she says.
Lamiez and her husband are growing their collection. She points out that her favourite pieces in the house are that of artist Nelson Makamo. They currently have four and have purchased two more. “I love the story behind his art and it’s great that a man from South Africa is doing great things on a global stage. Not only is he passionate about art, but he is also brilliant,” says Lamiez
THE LOVE SHE DESERVES
It’s no secret that Khuli Chana and Lamiez are madly in love. “We met in August 2018 and the following November, we got married,” she enthuses, highlighting that marriage was a huge transition for her. “I now had to make time for my husband, our daughter and work. But when you marry the right person and you do it for the right reason and shy away from the expectations of society, the transition is easy,” she says, adding that she had a crush on Khuli Chana in high school.
“I am married to Khulane Morule, not Khuli Chana. He is married to Imelda’s daughter and not the public figure. Khuli is the crazy guy on stage and Khulane is the guy I am blessed to spend time with every day. He is my best friend. We sit and talk about everything.”
Lamiez admits that there is no form to marriage. “What makes my marriage work is that we’re friends before anything else. I am also with a man who genuinely wants the best for me. He understands who I am and where I am in my life and my career, and is not threatened by it.
Published in the Feb/March 2021 issue of TRUELOVE
