Ashanti and Nelly truly went above and beyond to celebrate their son’s first birthday! The joyous occasion for Kareem Kenkaide Haynes featured an exciting array of activities, from celebrity uncles making surprise appearances to a thrilling 360 photo booth. As previously highlighted, the couple joyfully welcomed their only child into the world on July 18, 2024, but they chose to keep his birth a secret for approximately one month before sharing the delightful news.

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Experience the Joy of Kareem Kenkaide Hayes’ First Birthday Bash

As reported by PEOPLE, Ashanti and Nelly celebrated Kareem’s special day on July 19 in vibrant Long Island, New York. The guest list was a star-studded affair, featuring family members alongside famous friends like LL Cool J and Lloyd. Exclusive photos from the event reveal the parents beaming with joy throughout the celebration! The party showcased a charming theme inspired by characters from the beloved kids’ animated show, ‘Kunda & Friends,’ with delightful decor and life-sized costumes. The decor also prominently featured cheerful “KK Turns One” reminders. To make the day even more special, the parents and their loved ones donned custom white-and-blue shirts illustrating their unique connections to Baby Kareem. For instance, Ashanti sported a “Mom” shirt, while Nelly wore a matching “Dad” t-shirt.

Notably, the celebration was graced by Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi, the co-creator of Kunda & Friends! Attendees were treated to goodie bags provided by Hot Wheels, which included an Ultimate Garage Playset and toy cars, ensuring that the children left with smiles. Guests enjoyed a selection of organic juices, smoothies, delicious food, and a variety of sweet desserts, making the event a delightful feast for both kids and adults alike.

Meanwhile, the star of the day, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, looked adorable in a branded birthday shirt paired with jean shorts and stylish white sneakers. Despite the excitement surrounding the event, neither PEOPLE nor Kareem’s parents revealed his face to fans. As a result, the public still hasn’t had a glimpse of what Baby Hayes looks like, even a year after his birth! At the party, however, guests were treated to a spectacular show when Kareem made his grand entrance in a mini white Lamborghini, complete with sunglasses and a charming crown atop his head! PEOPLE reported that he waved enthusiastically at the crowd while giggling with joy.

C’mon family! Nelly and Ashanti were all smiles for their son KK’s first birthday celebration. (: @people @soulbphotos):#TSRStaffJR pic.twitter.com/RcnWRLO7aJ

— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) July 28, 2025

Reflecting on a Year of Joyful Parenting Away from the Spotlight

While the world hasn’t yet seen the adorable face of Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, his proud parents are not shy about sharing their overwhelming joy. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Ashanti and Nelly expressed their disbelief that their little one is already celebrating his first birthday!

“This year has flown by, and we have enjoyed every minute of witnessing his milestones, hilarious moments, and overall growth. He brings so much joy to us and our family,” the delighted parents shared.

In addition to their heartfelt sentiments, they have openly discussed their parenting journey in various media interviews and on their Peacock show, ‘Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together.’ It’s important to note that Kareem is Ashanti’s first experience with parenthood, while Nelly is already a father to two adult children, Cornell III and Chanelle. Just last month, he candidly shared with PEOPLE that Ashanti tends to be “motherly overprotective” while he leans more towards a “safety overprotective” approach.

Earlier this summer at the American Black Film Festival, Shanti admitted to embracing her role as a “mama bear” and expressed her protective instincts. She elaborated that keeping Kareem’s face private was a deliberate decision to ensure their family moments remain sacred.

“I just feel like those moments are very sacred to me, and we’ll make the decision on when he’s ready to make his debut,” the singer stated.

Are Ashanti and Nelly Considering Expanding Their Family?

When it comes to the possibility of adding more children to their family, it appears that Ashanti and Nelly are on the same page, albeit possibly reading different chapters! By March of this year, Ashanti had begun to drop subtle hints about her desire to expand their family. The same month, they attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards together, where Nelly humorously clarified to an E! News reporter that Ashanti is the one eager for more kids. They shared a laugh over the moment, but Ashanti affirmed that her experience as a mother has sparked a desire for one or two more children.

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