Joann Kelly, also known by her stage name Buku Abi, is the daughter of the famous R&B singer R. Kelly. R. Kelly is known for his music career, but he is also in prison for serious crimes, including abuse. Joann Kelly has been in the spotlight because of her connection to her father, but her story is much more than just being his daughter.
Quick Facts About Joann Kelly
| Full Name | Joann Kelly (Buku Abi) |
| Birthdate | 19 March 1998 |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | 27 years and 2 months old |
| Parents | R. Kelly (father), Andrea Kelly (mother) |
| Siblings | Jaah Kelly, Robert Kelly Jr. |
| Children | One son (name not known) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1.5 million (as of 2025) |
| Stage Name | Buku Abi |
Growing Up in a Famous Family
Joann was born in 1998 to R. Kelly and his wife, Andrea Kelly (also referred to as Drea). R. Kelly’s professional career was most prominent when Joann was in her formative years. Joann enjoyed quite a normal life as a kid, considering the fame of her father. That changed when she was older.
The Truth About Her Childhood
In 2024, Joann revealed a heartbreaking portion of her life in a documentary entitled R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey. In it, she mentioned that she was sexually molested by her dad when she was between the ages of 8 and 9 years old. Joann woke up one evening to see her dad fondling her. She was terrified and didn’t know what to do. She never told anyone at the time, not even her mom, Drea Kelly.
Joann explained that prior to the abuse, her dad was “her everything.” This makes the abuse all the more tragic. For years, Joann walked around with this secret. It altered the way she viewed the world and lived her life.
Her Relationship with Her Father
Joann’s life is a surprise to many others. Her father, R. Kelly, was a person she idolized prior to the abuse. However, after it happened, everything changed. Joann no longer views him as a man she idolized. Instead, she was forced to encounter the bitter truth regarding her father and the harm he created.
During the documentary, Joann explains it was difficult for her to have grown up with a father who was a famous singer as well as someone who hurt people. She explained how her father’s behavior impacted her, such as fighting suicidal ideation as an adult. Joann also claimed she would never let her son meet his grandfather in prison. She wants him to be sheltered from having anything to do with R. Kelly.
Family Support
R. Kelly’s wife, Drea Kelly, has also come forward about the abuse she endured during her marriage to R. Kelly. Drea divorced him in 2009 after years of suffering. In the documentary, Drea and other relatives, such as Joann’s siblings Jaah Kelly and Robert Kelly Jr., reveal how much the abuse impacted them all. Drea spoke about how devastated she was for Joann, knowing what her daughter endured.
Joann’s family has suffered greatly due to the actions of R. Kelly. Although some family members, such as her brother Carey Kelly, have come forward and shared their own stories of abuse, others have remained silent. Joann has been among the few family members to share her own abuse and tell her story to the world.
A New Chapter: Protecting the Next Generation
Joann’s choice to speak out is not only about the past. It is also about the future. She wants to shield her own children from the same type of suffering she experienced. Joann says she will be truthful with her son regarding her experiences and ensure he knows the truth concerning his grandfather. By speaking out, Joann hopes to assist others who have experienced similar battles.
READ ALSO: R Kelly Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
What’s Next for Joann?
Since speaking out, Joann is centered on healing. She is not anymore the daughter of a world-renowned singer. She is now a woman who has endured such immense suffering and is slowly getting strength in her truth. Joann’s testimony is a testament to how significant it is to speak up regarding abuse and save future generations from suffering.
Along with her own personal history, Joann is also striving to pursue a career in music. She records as Buku Abi and has been taking her voice on the world stage. She launched her first EP Don’t Call Me in 2019 and has been crafting her own personality separate from the legacy of her father.
