If you’ve kept up with global headlines, you’re likely aware of the controversial figure R. Kelly, the renowned R&B singer-songwriter recently convicted of racketeering and s*x crimes. But beyond his music career and legal troubles, there’s another story that may not be as well known—his child, Jaya Kelly, who publicly came out as transgender. So, what’s the story behind Jaya Kelly?
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Jaya Kelly
- Nickname: Jaah Baby
- Gender: Transgender
- Year of Birth: 2000
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of Birth: United States of America
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Black
- Religion: Christian
- Sexuality: Gay
- Height: 5’8″ (172 cm)
- Weight: 123 lbs (63 kg)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Mother: Andrea “Lee” Danyell
- Father: Robert Sylvester Kelly
- Siblings: Two
- Profession: Singer
- Net Worth: Estimated between $300,000 and $500,000
Jaya Kelly’s Biography
Jaya Kelly, the second-born child of R&B legend R. Kelly, first gained widespread attention in 2014 when he publicly came out as a transgender male. His announcement was made during a Q&A session where he expressed that he had always felt trapped in a female body but identified as male. This revelation not only surprised his fans but also reportedly came as a shock to his father, who expressed disapproval in a 2014 interview. In contrast, Jaya’s mother, Andrea “Lee” Danyell, openly supported her child’s decision and showed unwavering public respect for his choice.
Born in 2000 in the United States, Jaya was assigned female at birth but began identifying as male in 2014, changing his name to Jaah Baby. His decision to come out at such a young age, particularly under the spotlight of a famous family, was met with significant challenges.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Growing up as the child of a high-profile musician meant that Jaya’s life was anything but ordinary. The Kelly family frequently moved due to R. Kelly’s career, which made it difficult for Jaya to form lasting friendships and open up about his gender identity struggles. These challenges were compounded by bullying at school, which Jaya has openly discussed.
Jaya is the middle child in a family of three. His siblings include an older sister, Joann (born in 1998), and a younger brother, Robert Jr. (born in 2002). Joann, also known by her stage name Buku Abi, has followed in her father’s footsteps as a musician, while Robert Jr. has pursued a career in basketball.
Career in Music
Despite facing numerous personal challenges, Jaya has carved out his own path in the music industry. He began his career at just 13 years old, releasing his debut single “Reservoir” under the alias Jaah Baby in 2014. His music, which blends elements of hip-hop and techno, is primarily available on SoundCloud, where he has cultivated a niche following. While he keeps a low profile in mainstream media, his work continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate his unique sound.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Jaya’s decision to come out as transgender was not without difficulties. Following his public revelation, he experienced a period of severe depression, which led to a three-week stay in a psychiatric ward. Despite these challenges, Jaya has remained committed to living authentically and has found solace in his music.
In terms of his sexuality, Jaya has identified as gay, revealing in an interview with PaperMag that he is attracted to women. He described the relief and freedom he felt in being able to fully express his true self after turning 18.
Relationship with R. Kelly
Jaya’s relationship with his father has been strained, especially following his public declaration of his gender identity. In 2019, after the allegations against R. Kelly became widely known, Jaya released a diss track aimed at his father, reflecting the deep rift between them. R. Kelly’s lack of support for his child’s transition further complicated their relationship, as evidenced by his dismissive comments during a 2014 interview.
Net Worth and Public Presence
As of 2023, Jaya Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000. His earnings come from his music career, live performances, and royalties from his tracks on SoundCloud. Despite his success, Jaya has chosen to remain largely out of the public eye, particularly on social media. His Instagram account, @Jaah.bby, has only two posts and has been dormant for some time, possibly due to the backlash and cyber-trolling that followed his father’s legal controversies.
Jaya Kelly’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. Born into a family marked by fame and scandal, he has managed to navigate his path with courage, choosing to live his truth despite the many obstacles he has faced. In 2023, Jaya is not only comfortable in his identity as a transgender male but also continues to pursue his passion for music, sharing his art with the world through platforms like SoundCloud.
