R. Kelly’s Daughter, Joann Kelly, Shares That She’s Lost Record Deals Because Of Her Father’s Reputation [Video]

R. Kelly’s eldest daughter, Joann Kelly, reveals that she’s been turned down from record deals because of her father.

Joann, who goes by Buku Abi, briefly appeared on Atlanta’s radio station Majic 107.5 alongside her mother, Drea Kelly. During the interview, the host asked Buku if her music career had flourished or was hindered because of who her father was. Buku says it was both.

“For me, the experience has been, ‘You’re only getting this because of who your parents are,’ and then, ‘You’re not getting this because of who your parents are,’” she said.

The host interjected and asked if she’s been turned down from things, and she replied, “absolutely.”

“Simply based off of my last name,” Buku said. “I think for me, especially ’cause a lot of people don’t know, music is my first passion. I love music. I’m a singer, songwriter, I love music, and I been doing music since I was 13 years old.”

She continued, “That’s the first time I ever wrote a song was at 13, and from 13 up until 24, I’ve been trying to get into the music business. Trying to get into the industry and all those years, it’s either been you’re getting it because of who your dad is or you not getting it because of who your dad is. I’ve been this close to a record deal, and when they found out who I was, it got swiped away…the paperwork was drawn up and everything. Flew out to L.A. and everything. [Somebody] found out who I was, and that was it.”

R. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for being convicted on nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking charges back in 2021.