Unathi has released a new single, ‘Isikhwele,’ with Kwaito legend Professor and rising talent Meez ahead of her upcoming album ‘African Love’ .
Image: Supplied/Nick Boulton
South African broadcaster and singer Unathi Nkayi is making a long-awaited return to music with the release of her new single “Iisikhwele”.
The talented songstress will also be releasing an album, “African Love”, this spring.
On “Iisikhwele”, collaborated with kwaito legend Professor, alongside rising talent Meez, in a soulful love song that explores the complexities of jealousy within relationships.
The project reflects both her personal healing and artistic evolution, for the songstress.
The single is accompanied by a visually striking music video, which Nkayi creatively directed and executive produced as a love letter to Soweto during the month commemorating the Soweto Uprisings.
The project also pays homage to South African couture, with Nkayi positioning herself as a walking canvas, honouring leading local luxury designers.
“I’m really proud of how I’ve grown and evolved creatively, especially in a time where everything moves so fast with technology and the fourth industrial revolution. For me, it didn’t feel right to just drop a dance challenge and move on.
“I’ve always been known for telling deeper stories, and I wanted this release to reflect that,” said Nkayi. She explained that she wanted to bring in her broadcasting knowledge and experience to the music video and tell a story through film.
“I wanted to express myself in the creative direction, storyline, editing, and styling. I wanted to show how my artistry has evolved,” Nkayi said.
After not being in a space to create music, following the loss of her father and wanting to focus on her children, Nkayi took time to regulate herself creatively, and now she is back.
“I have admired Professor for years and wanted to release something meaningful before I release the full album this spring. I have joined forces with LOUD IN AFRICA, a global digital platform for all my upcoming work for global release, as it acts as a conduit for African stories to the world.”
IOL