Ashanti and Nelly went all out for their son’s first birthday party! The celebration for Kareem Kenkaide Haynes‘ had a lil’ bit of everything, from celebrity uncles stopping through to a 360 photo booth. As previously reported, the couple welcomed their only child together on July 18, 2024. However, they waited about a month to reveal his birth.
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Kareem Kenkaide Hayes’ Celebrated One Like THIS
According to PEOPLE, Ashanti and Nelly hosted Kareem’s birthday party on July 19 in Long Island, New York. The guest list included family members and famous friends like LL Cool J and Lloyd. Photos shared exclusively by the outlet show the parents cheesing throughout the event! The party theme included characters from the kids’ animated show, ‘Kunda & Friends,’ in the decor and life-sized costumes. There were also “KK Turns One” reminders in the decor. The parents and loved ones also wore custom white-and-blue shirts explaining their ties to Baby Kareem. For example, Ashanti and Nelly wore “Mom” and “Dad” t-shirts, respectively.
Even Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi, co-creator of Kunda & Fiends, attended the celebration! Additionally, Hot Wheels reportedly provided goodie bags for the kids with an Ultimate Garage Playset and toy cars inside. Partygoers also enjoyed organic juices, smoothies, food, and desserts.
Meanwhile, the birthday boy, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, wore a branded birthday shirt, jean shorts, and white sneakers. Unlike in their preview of the party, neither PEOPLE nor Kareem’s parents revealed his face. So, fans have yet to see what Baby Hayes looks like, even one year later! At the party, though, guests got a show! Kareem pulled up to his celebration in a mini white Lamborghini with sunglasses and a crown on his head! PEOPLE reports that he waved at the crowd and giggled.
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
RECAP: Year One Of Parenting In Private
While we haven’t seen Kareem Kenkaide Haynes’ face, his parents haven’t been shy about bragging about him. Speaking to PEOPLE this week, Ashanti and Nelly said they’re in disbelief that their mini-me is already one!
“This year has flown by and we have enjoyed every minute of seeing his milestones, funny moments and growth. He brings us and our family so much joy,” the parents said.
They’ve also discussed parenting in media interviews and on their Peacock show, ‘Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together. ‘ For context, Kareem marks the singer’s first time around the parenthood block. However, the St. Louis rapper was already a father to two adult children, Cornell III and Chanelle. Last month, he told PEOPLE that his wife is “motherly overprotective” while he’s more “safety overprotective.”
Earlier this summer, at the American Black Film Festival, Shanti admitted to being a “mama bear” and protective. She explained that keeping Kareem’s face offline was an intentional choice.
“I just feel like those moments are very sacred to me, and we’ll make the decision on when he’s ready to pop out and show,” the singer said.
Is The Couple Planning To Have More Children?
Now, when it comes to having more kids, the parents might be in the same book, but possibly on different pages! By March this year, Ashanti had already dropped hints about expanding their family. Then, that same month, they attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards together. On the red carpet, Nelly clarified to an E! News reporter that Ashanti is the one ready for more kids. They laughed off the moment, but the singer affirmed that her son makes her desire one or two more.
