Speculations of Unathi Nkayi’s exit from Idols SA’s judging panel after 10 years have been confirmed to be true by a heartfelt letter penned by the singer and media personality.
According to the director of local entertainment channels for M-Net, Shirley Adonisi, Mzansi Magic is undergoing changes aimed to give the popular singing show a face-lift, which includes the non-renewal of contracts of Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi for the 18th season of Idols SA.
Randall has been a judge on Idols for 17 seasons, while Nkayi has been with the show for 10 seasons.
“We are taking a fresh approach to the judging panel to retain audiences and stay competitive in the Sunday nighttime slot,” she said.
Adonisi further extended a word of gratitude to both Randall and Unathi for their contribution in discovering and launching the careers of so many talented young South Africans.
“We salute these great icons of SA entertainment and thank them both for a great innings on Idols,” said Adonisi.
“Randall and Unathi have demonstrated high levels of professionalism and made an impact on the SA entertainment scene that will continue to be felt for some time to come. We wish them well in their endeavours,” Adonisi continued.
The country now waits in anticipation for the unveiling of a new judging panel for season 18 of Idols SA.
Meanwhile, Unathi made plain her gratitude for the opportunity and also wished the incoming judging panel well in their journey.
“Thank you for your love SA and our beautiful continent of Africa. Please allow me to honour you. You have been kind, loving and deeply invested. Truly the real energy and heartbeat of a wonderful wave of hope and dreams coming true on Idols and as you do that, you have made my dreams come true too,” she wrote.
