Unathi Nkayi is a well-known and respected television and media personality with a dubious music career due to her vocal ability rather than the number of hits she has had. However, 2021 was not the year that Nkayi had anticipated.
While the rest of the world was dealing with the effects of the pandemic and adjusting to the “new normal,” Nkayi appeared to be experiencing setback after setback. The first was the end of her relationship with Kaya 959, a regional radio station.
She had a major falling out with another radio host, Sizwe Dhlomo. Things took a turn for the worse when Nkayi seemed to imply that Sizwe was exhibiting misogyny at work. When the facts were presented, she was allegedly fired from the radio station because of her feelings. Nkayi, on the other hand, would have the “last laugh” by landing another radio gig on Star FM. A radio station in the area. But it seemed like the end of the road for the acclaimed broadcaster in mainstream media when it was announced that she would be leaving Idols SA.
Was Somizi responsible for Unathi’s dismissal?
When Unathi Nkayi announced her departure from the Idols SA panel in December 2021. Viewers were shocked to learn that after ten years on the show’s judging panel, their beloved teary-eyed judge had confirmed her departure.
Nkayi was diplomatic in her farewell message to the show, viewers, and MultiChoice at the time, sharing in part:
“I can never thank you enough Anneke, for making that call asking me to join the Idols family. Gav and Prozza thank you for trusting me with such a great responsibility. One that would form part of the narrative and soundtrack of our souls as a people. You changed my life and that of my family.”
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Unathi had omitted thanking the rest of her judging panel in the post, which was not surprising in the case of Randal Abrahams, who would also confirm his departure after being a part of the show since its inception. But her refusal to thank what we thought was a friend, Somizi “Som-Som” Mhlongo, was a surprise.
This comes as the latest season of Living The Dream with Somizi shed light on their relationship’s breakdown. Mhlongo dragged everyone who allegedly supported him for filth when he wasn’t dragging his ex. This included Nkayi, who allegedly came out to corroborate Mhlongo’s abuse by publicly separating herself from her former co-judge. Mhlongo also hinted that her dismissal has something to do with how he feels about her, given that he is the face of DSTV, and thus MultiChoice.
Unathi Nkayi confirms return to television
But it appears that Nkayi is having the last laugh. This is because Idols SA’s rebranding with a “fresher” judging panel in order to be more competitive in their time slot has had the opposite effect, based on viewing numbers.
As the news of Idols SA’s plummeting numbers has become public knowledge. Nkayi also thought it was time to confirm her return to television as he works to get her body back in shape, which she hasn’t done in recent years since her inspiring weightloss journey. Check out the post below
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