Ashanti Reveals Why She Won’t Show Son Kareem’s Face on Upcoming Reality Show with Nelly: ‘Very Sacred to Me’

Ashanti and Nelly are keeping things private when it comes to their son.

During a panel session at the American Black Film Festival, the “Foolish” singer, 44, opened up about why she and the “Hot In Herre” artist, 50, won’t be showing their 11-month-old son Kareem’s face in their upcoming show. The proud mom said there “was no hesitation” about the matter and added that they’ll make the decision when they show their son’s face.

“There was no hesitation. I knew I was not gonna show my son, so, you know, he is blurred out, but you see him and I just feel like I’m kind of like a mama bear already, you know? Very protective. And I just feel like, I didn’t wanna show my son to the world,” she said.

“I haven’t even posted him on Instagram or anything like that,” she continued. “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.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

The Grammy-winning artists have a long romantic history. They started dating in 2003 and were together for a decade before going their separate ways. The pair rekindled their romance in 2023 and revealed that they were engaged and expecting the following year.

In July 2024, they welcomed their first child together, with Ashanti announcing her pregnancy in April 2024 on Instagram. She shared a video teasing that she’ll need “nine months” to get ready.

“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” the singer told Essence that month. “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.”

RELATED STORIES

Ashanti Reveals Thoughts on Baby No. 2 with Husband Nelly as She Says Her Life Has ‘Completely Changed for the ‘Better’

Nelly Reveals the Warning He Gave Wife Ashanti Before Welcoming Their Son KK

While Kareem is Ashanti’s first baby, Nelly is a father of five. He shares his daughter Chanelle, born in 1994, and his son Cornell, born in 1999, with his ex-girlfriend Channetta Valentine. After his sister, Jackie Donahue, died of leukemia in March 2005, Nelly adopted and raised her kids, Shawn and Sydney Thomas.

Although they have a full house, the couple may not be done growing their family. The “Rock Wit U” singer spoke with E! News’ Will Marfuggi in an interview about how she feels during this era of her life and shared her plans for expanding her family.

“I am feeling amazing, incredibly pleased, humbled,” she told the outlet. “My life has completely changed for the better. I feel full, you know? My cup is full.”

The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!

“We’re going to add some more,” she continued, adding that she wouldn’t mind having a girl next. “Definitely a girl to balance it out. I’m outnumbered in the house right now. So, a girl would be great.”

Although Nelly is a father to four other children, he wasn’t exactly ready to dive in when he was preparing to welcome a newborn at the age of 50.

“Listen, I told her before we had this baby, I said, ‘Now listen, I’m here. But chasing toddlers at 50…” Nelly shared during a Monday, June 23, appearance on Today alongside Ashanti. “I said, ‘As many as you want, but as many nannies as we can afford.’ I pay for a professional chaser.”

Source People.com