UNATHI returns with a deeper vision for music and storytelling

South African broadcaster,singer and creative force Unathi Nkayi is making a long-awaited return to music with the release of her new single ISIKHWELE, set to drop on 12 June, ahead of her forthcoming album AFRICAN LOVE, expected this spring.

The new offering sees Unathi collaborating with kwaito legend Professor, alongside rising talent Meez, in a soulful love song that explores the complexities of jealousy within relationships. The release marks a significant creative rebirth for Unathi, who says the project reflects both her personal healing and artistic evolution.

The single is accompanied by a visually striking music video, which Unathi 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 Unathi 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,” Unathi said.

Unathi, an orator by birth, has also enlisted acclaimed photographer Nick Boulton to shoot The ISIKHWELE Series, a digital visual extension of the project designed to preserve and extend the life of the looks featured in the music video. The series will live alongside the single and video as part of a broader multimedia roll-out.

“I wanted to bring in my broadcasting knowledge and experience on this video. I wanted to tell a story through the film. I wanted to express myself in the creative direction, story line, editing and styling. I wanted to show how my artistry has evolved,” Unathi said.

Explaining her return to music, Unathi added:

“I have not been in a space to create for some time now. Given the loss of my father and wanting to focus on my children I took some time to regulate myself creatively. 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.”

The project will be distributed in partnership with LOUD IN AFRICA, positioning ISIKHWELE as part of a broader global narrative platform championing African creativity and storytelling.

CAMAGU