Unathi Nkayi Biography: EX- Husband, Kids, Awards, Films, Songs, Books, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents

Unathi Fundiswa Msengana, known professionally as Unathi Nkayi, is a South African singer, radio host, actress, and media entrepreneur who first rose to prominence in 2004 as co-host of the television talent search Popstars.

Her debut album, In Honour, released in January 2008, won Best Female Vocalist at the Metro FM Music Awards and cemented her status as a leading voice in pop and contemporary R&B.

Over the years, she has become equally renowned for her ten-season tenure as a judge on Idols South Africa and her engaging radio presence.

Profile

• Full name: Unathi Fundiswa Msengana
• Birth name: Unathi Nkayi
• Date of birth: 6 November 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• State of origin: Eastern Cape
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Singer, radio host, actress, media entrepreneur
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father Sakhiwo; Mother Nondwe
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Thomas Msengana (m. September 2009; div. 2017)
• Children: Sinako Msengana, Imboyothando Msengana
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: Black South African
• Net worth: Estimated between R7 million and R56 million

Early Life and Education

Unathi Nkayi is now 47 and was born on 6 November 1978 in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. She completed her secondary education at Victoria Girls’ High School in Grahamstown, then pursued International Media Studies at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. Upon returning to South Africa, she earned a degree in Journalism and Drama from Rhodes University in 2000.

Personal Life

In September 2009, Unathi married fellow broadcaster Thomas Msengana; the couple had two children, Sinako and Imboyothando, before divorcing in 2017.

Publicly, she has spoken about her healing journey following her high-profile dismissal from Kaya 959 and departure from Idols South Africa, emphasizing the role of therapy and self-care in overcoming the mental health challenges she faced during that period.

Career

Unathi began her media career hosting Castle Loud before moving to YFM as a radio presenter. In 2004, she co-hosted Popstars on M-Net, earning early recognition with the Most Promising Woman in Media award at the MTN Media Awards in 2005.

Her debut studio album, In Honour (2008), won Best Female Vocalist at the Metro FM Music Awards. She released her second album, Brave, True and Strong, in September 2017, which sold out within a week.

From 2011 to 2021, she served as a judge on Idols South Africa, becoming a fixture in the franchise. On the radio, she has hosted shows on STAR 91.9 FM and Kaya FM, most recently on the All-Star Drive.

In 2024, she was chosen to host the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards, showcasing her continued influence in entertainment and beyond.

Awards

• In Honour – Best Female Vocalist, Metro FM Music Awards 2008
• Most Promising Woman in Media, MTN Media Awards 2005
• Glamour Woman of the Year, Media Star Awards 2014
• Favourite South African Radio DJ nomination, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards (27th ceremony)

Net Worth

Unathi Nkayi’s net worth is estimated between R7 million and R56 million. This wealth is derived from music sales, concert performances, television and radio contracts, and branded content partnerships.

Controversy

In November 2021, Unathi was dismissed from Kaya 959 after publicly accusing her co-host of verbal abuse and unprofessional conduct; the fallout led to her withdrawal from several media roles and deepened her focus on personal well-being. She was also not retained on Idols South Africa when the judging panel was revamped in 2022.

Social Media

• Instagram: @unathi.co
• Twitter/X: @UnathiNkayi

Filmography

• Doc McStuffins (voice of Rita the Cheetah) 2014
• Popstars (co-host) 2004

Discography

• In Honour (4 January 2008)
• Brave, True and Strong (17 September 2017)

Books

• I Keep Learning (6 November 2019; memoir, co-authored with Kabomo Vilakazi)