Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss (born May 17, 1976), known professionally by her mononym Kandi, is an American actress, businesswoman, dancer, producer, singer, songwriter, and television personality. She first gained notice in 1992 as a member of the multi-platinum R&B female vocal group Xscape.

Replacing DeShawn Snow, Kandi joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in its second season, which began airing in July 2009. From 2009 to 2023, she had appeared in every subsequent season of the show, becoming the series’ longest-serving cast member.  She later announced her departure after 14 years to focus on acting and other projects.

Kandi is also known for her entrepreneurship. She is the founder of the “Kandi Koated kwn” hair care line, which offers a variety of hair care products for black hair. Kandi is also the owner of the restaurant, “Sweet Sugar.”

She won the third season of the Fox competition series The Masked Singer, and became the show’s first woman champion. Additionally, she also placed fifth on the second season of Celebrity Big Brother on CBS. In 2023, her production work on a 2022 Broadway production of the play The Piano Lesson earned her a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.