Unathi Nkayi Biography|Age, Career, Education, Career, Marriage, Divorce, Awards
Unathi Nkayi, born on November 6, 1978, is a popular South African singer, songwriter, actress, TV and radio personality, journalist, and author.
She is widely recognized for her role as a judge on the South African singing competition TV show, Idols SA.
Age
She was born on November 6, 1978, in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Education
Unathi Nkayi received her high school education at Victoria Girls High School in Grahamstown, South Africa.
After completing her secondary education, she traveled to the Netherlands, where she studied International Media Studies at the University of Utrecht.
She later enrolled at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Journalism.
Career
Unathi embarked on her career journey in the early 1990s, where she auditioned for the show Castle Loud, which aired on SABC 1. She not only landed a role on the show but also co-produced it, marking her breakthrough in TV and radio broadcasting.
From 2004 to 2020, Unathi Nkayi worked for YFM, a popular youth station, further solidifying her presence in the media industry.
She then transitioned to Metro FM, where she worked from 2014 to 2017. Following her time at Metro FM, she joined Kaya FM, where she continued to showcase her talent until 2020.
Aside from her accomplishments in broadcasting, Unathi Nkayi is a multi-talented singer, actress, and voice-over artist. She lent her voice to the character “Rita The Cheetah” in the Disney Channel series “Doc McStuffins”.
Unathi Nkayi also made appearances on the South African talk show “Show Me Love,” where she distinguished herself as one of the hosts.
Unathi Nkayi is widely recognized as one of the longest-serving judges on Idols South Africa, a popular singing competition show. Her expertise and contributions have made her an influential figure in the show’s success.
In addition to her accomplishments in the entertainment industry, Unathi Nkayi is an author and journalist. She co-wrote her first book, “I Keep Learning,” with Kabomo, which was released on her birthday, November 6, 2019.
This book provides insights into her life experiences, including her journey through depression and her success in the media and entertainment industry.
Unathi Nkayi’s song “Sghubu” was featured on the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning South African film, Tsotsi.
Marriage And Divorce
Unathi Nkayi was previously married to her ex-husband Thomas Msengana, who is a radio host and Disc Jockey. The couple reportedly met while working together at Kaya FM and tied the knot on September 19th, 2009.
However, in 2017, news of their separation emerged. Despite the separation, the couple kept their divorce a secret, allegedly due to issues of infidelity.
According to reports, Unathi’s husband was involved in a cheating scandal with another woman in Johannesburg.
The situation was further complicated when explicit photos of Noluthando Thando Dlalisa were found on Thomas’ phone, leading to their separation.
Following their publicized divorce, Unathi Nkayi and Thomas Msengana have prioritized the well-being of their two children and have been co-parenting peacefully.
Despite the challenges they faced, the couple is said to have remained friends.
Awards
Unathi Nkayi, as an on-air personality, has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout her career:
- In 2005, she was recognized at the MTN Media Awards (hosted by Media Magazine) as the Most Promising Woman in Media.
- Unathi Nkayi received the Best Dressed Artist award and the Song of The Year award at the Metro FM Music Awards in 2003.
- In 2014, she was crowned the Media Star and also won the Glamour Woman of the Year award.
