Music stars Ashanti and Nelly announce arrival of their baby boy (Photo: Getty Images)

Singer Ashanti and Nelly have recently welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes.

Ashanti shared the news on Instagram, writing, "Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time,” referencing her hit song “Always On Time” with Ja Rule. 

She added, "I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now, but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!"

Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, confirmed their reunion as a couple last year, 20 years after they were first linked and a decade after their split. 

In April, they announced their engagement and the pregnancy in a statement to Essence magazine. 

Ashanti expressed her joy, saying, “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.”

The couple reportedly wed in December 2023. This is the first child for both Ashanti and Nelly together. 

Nelly is already a father to two children from a previous relationship and also adopted his niece and nephew after his sister passed away from leukaemia in March 2005.