Media personality and radio host Unathi Nkayi has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Icons of Africa Awards 2026. The ceremony took place on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at Sandton Hotel, where she was recognised for her outstanding contribution to radio broadcasting over nearly three decades.
Celebrating the milestone, Unathi shared moments from the night on Instagram, writing, “What a DREAM Thank you @icons_of_africa_awards for my LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in radio. For as long as Africans continue being great I will tell our great stories.”
In another post, she added, “LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – On saturday @icons_of_africa_awards honoured me for my radio work that I have done since 1997. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this intercontinental recognition MaAfrika.”
The Icons of Africa Awards also highlighted her remarkable journey in media, describing how she rose from Gqeberha to become one of Africa’s most recognizable voices. Her career began in Johannesburg on YFM, where she quickly rose through the ranks and helped shape youth culture with her bold radio presence.
She later moved into television, hosting Castle Loud and co-hosting Popstars, which marked the beginning of a powerful multimedia career spanning decades. Unathi went on to dominate radio on Metro FM and later Kaya FM, where she became known for her authenticity, strength, and deep connection with audiences across South Africa.
Her influence further expanded when she became a long-standing judge on Idols South Africa from 2011 to 2022, mentoring and shaping some of the country’s biggest music talents and strengthening her legacy in pop culture. Beyond broadcasting, she is also a celebrated musician, with her debut album In Honour (2008) earning her Best Female Vocalist at the Metro FM Music Awards, while her 2017 album Brave, True and Strong became a commercial success, selling out within a week and leading to a national tour.
She has also extended her influence into acting, voice work, and major event hosting, consistently remaining relevant and respected across multiple industries. Unathi Nkayi is widely recognised not only as a broadcaster, but as a pioneer, mentor, performer, and cultural architect whose voice has helped shape generations.
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