For someone who never planned on a career in entertainment, Unathi Nkayi has certainly made her mark over her 21 years in the industry.
From TV presenting and singing to broadcasting and being a judge on SA Idols, she’s worn many hats, often juggling multiple roles at once with finesse. However, as she enters this new chapter of her life, Unathi is returning to her musical roots, a passion she’s ready to fully embrace.
A journey redefined by circumstance
“Growing up, I wanted to be a hockey player,” she says, her time playing for South Africa before an injury forced her to change course. After her dad advised her to focus on school, Unathi pursued a drama and journalism degree from Rhodes University and an Honours in International Media Studies from the Netherlands.
Her entry into the media world was swift.
“I was only unemployed for two months after my final exam, and then I was in television,” she recalls. Her big break came when she co-hosted Castle Loud on SABC 1 with Stoan. That same year, she launched her music career with the hit song “Sana Lwami” alongside Zola 7, and shortly after, she made her debut in radio broadcasting on YFM.
And just like that, more doors opened for her to excel entertainment industry. Despite the highs, Unathi has also faced the relentless scrutiny that comes with being a public figure. Yet, she has managed to navigate this with grace, largely by keeping her personal life private.
“Cancel culture comes into play when your personal life is part of what the public is scrutiniing you for. The only thing I’ve ever shared is my work,” she explains.
“They’ve certainly tried to cancel me, but my work speaks for itself.”
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“There are times I wish I was anonymous,” she admits. “I could just be my silly me, the village girl from Grahamstown, and not have to put on masks to appease people.”
We all know her for her boisterous laugh, but there was a time in her life where she almost lost it. She recalls a moment of empowerment from Penny Lebyane, a long-time friend and industry veteran.
“In 2008, she could see that the industry was affecting me. She just came and lifted my chin and told me to never lose my beautiful smile,” Unathi remembers. “They’re gonna want to hurt you, but as long as you always remember to smile, you’ll never lose yourself.”
Unathi is vocal about the challenges women face, especially in competitive environments, and she encourages young women to trust in their abilities and maintain their self-respect.
“Trust yourself and know that you can do it. Know that you are worthy,” she advises. But she also offers a candid warning: “Keep your legs closed. Men don’t respect a woman they’ve slept with in the boardroom.”
In addition to her impressive media career, Unathi is also an accomplished author. Her book, I Keep Learning, reflects her continuous journey of personal growth.
“The most recent lesson I’ve learned is that my silence is very powerful,” she says. “You don’t always have to convince people who you are and respond to lies. As long as you know who you are, that’s all that you need.”
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This chapter of the author’s life is all about returning to her musical roots. She has anupcoming EP and collaborations with artists like Stimela and Professor. “I definitely think God wants me to focus on the music for now.”
A legacy beyond entertainment
While Unathi’s career has been defined by her achievements in media and music, her true legacy, she believes, lies in the values she instills in her children. “For me, the only thing that matters is sending them to good schools and making sure they’re good human beings,” she says.
“I don’t have a great deal of wealth or a trust fund to leave them. So for me, it’s about did I do my best to give them the best education?”
As Unathi looks to the future, her dreams extend beyond the spotlight.
“I’d love to open up a studio and start making vases and selling them all over the world,” she reveals, envisioning a peaceful retirement back home in the Eastern Cape.