Unathi Nkayi

Unathi Fundiswa Msengana
Birth nameUnathi Nkayi
Born (1978-11-06) November 6, 1978 (age 46)
Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Genres
  • pop
  • afro-pop
  • rnb
Occupations
  • singer
  • radio host
  • actress
Instrumentvocals
Years active2004–present
LabelsUniversal
Spouse
Thomas Msengana
​
​
(m. 2009; div. 2017)​

Unathi Fundiswa Msengana (born 6 November 1978) professionally known as Unathi Nkayi is a South African singer, radio host and actress. Born in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, Unathi graduated with Degree in International Media Studies at the University of Utrecht.

She also obtained Degree in Journalism and Drama at Rhodes University in 2000.[1] Shortly after she completed her studies, Nkayi relocated to Johannesburg in 2001 and began her television career as a host of Castle Loud, prior hosting on YFM as radio presenter. Unathi became co-host of Popstars in 2004 with Rowan Cloete.

Following year, Unathi won Most Promising Woman in Media award at the MTN Media Awards.

Her debut studio album In Honour, was released on 4 January 2008. The album won Best Female Vocalist at 2008 Metro FM Music Awards.[2]

In 2011, She landed on role of a judge of Idols South Africa M-Net reality competition.[3]

Unathi earned her first nomination for Favourite South African Radio DJ at the 27th ceremony of Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.[4]

In 2014, Unathi won Glamour Woman of the Year at the Media Star.

In June 2014, she bagged a character role of Rita the Cheetah on Doc McStuffins, Disney Junior series.[5]

Unathi studio album Brave, True and Strong, was released on 17 September 2017. It became her commercial successful album sold out in one week.[6]

In September 2018, she announced Brave, True and Strong Tour that ran from 18 August to 20 September.[7][8]

In November 2021, Unathi bagged a role of hosting The Festive Get Together in The Life Artois on Mzansi Magic for two consecutive seasons.[9]

Unathi was announced as the host of STAR 91.9 FM's All Star Drive alongside with Justin Toerien in February 2022.[10]

She hosted GQ's Best Dressed Awards 2022 in August 2022 held at 92 Rivonia in Sandton.[11]

In December 2022, Unathi hosted GQ Man of the Year Awards alongside with Donovan Goliath.[12]

In early January 2024, Unathi was announced as the host of 2024 Basadi in Music Awards for the second time held at the Joburg Theatre.[13]

Discography

Studio albums

  • In Honuor (2008)
  • Brave, True and Strong (2017)

Filmography

Television
Year Title Role Notes
2004 Popstars Host Season 3
2010-2022 Idols Judge Season 7-17
2016 Living the Dream with Somizi Herself
2012 The Close Up Season 2
The South African Music Awards Presenter Season 18
The Comedy Central Roast Herself Season 1
2014 Galaxy of Stars Host Season 1
2017 Miss South Africa Judge Season 60

Personal life

Her parents are Sakhiwo and Nondwe Nkayi.

Unathi married Thomas Msengana in September 2009. The couple had two children, Sinako and Imbo Msengana.[14] Unathi divorced her husband in 2017.[15]

References

  1. ^ "Unathi Msengana biography, husband, kids and age". Rhodes University. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  2. ^ "Metro FM 2008 Awards". South Africa. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  3. ^ Ferreira, Thinus (24 January 2022). "Unathi Nkayi says it was an honour being an Idols judge". South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  4. ^ "Anele, Unathi nominated for Kids Choice Awards". SNL24. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  5. ^ "Unathi Msengana plays character of "Rita the Cheetah" in Disney Junior series – Doc McStuffins". YoMzansi. 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  6. ^ "Unathi's New Album 'Brave, True and Strong' Sells Out In A Week". South African Music Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  7. ^ Shumba, Ano (16 August 2018). "SA singer Unathi announces tour in celebration of women". Music in Africa.
  8. ^ McAinsh, Gillian (5 September 2018). "Unathi to rock the Boardwalk with Brave, True & Strong tour". Herald LIVE. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  9. ^ Langa, Phumlani S (23 November 2021). "Unathi set to host TV show after being axed by Kaya FM". South Africa: City Press. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  10. ^ Morkel, Graye (15 February 2022). "Unathi Nkayi joins STAR 91.9 FM". South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  11. ^ Manuel, Shannon (15 August 2022). "Unathi Nkayi to host GQ's Best Dressed Awards 2022". GQ Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  12. ^ Manuel, Shannon (2 December 2022). "Donovan Goliath and Unathi Nkayi to host GQ's MOTY Awards 2022". GQ Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  13. ^ Selisho, Kaunda (12 August 2024). "The captivating 2024 Basadi in Music Awards: Unathi Nkayi shines as host, Makhadzi and Tyla win big". South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  14. ^ Mbhele, Sandisiwe (2022-12-05). "Proud parents – Unathi Nkayi and Thomas Msengana's son turns 1". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  15. ^ Shinga, Cebolethu (2024-08-13). "'We grew apart': Unathi talks about her past marriage with Thomas Msengana". Independent Online. Retrieved 2024-08-19.