Unathi Nkayi celebrates Soweto in new single and music video
· The South African
Media personality, radio host and singer Unathi Nkayi is returning to music with the release of her new single, Isikhwele, on Friday, 12 June 2026. The track features kwaito star Professor and rising artist Meez.
The song explores jealousy in romantic relationships. However, the project goes beyond music. Through its visuals, fashion and storytelling, Unathi has created what she describes as a love letter to Soweto and a celebration of South African creativity.
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The single arrives ahead of her upcoming album, African Love, which is expected later this year.
UNATHI NKAYI ANNOUNCES ISIKHWELE
Unathi recently shared the news with fans on Instagram, revealing both the single artwork and a preview of the song.
She wrote: “ISIKHWELE. OUT JUNE 12. UNATHI x PROFESSOR Feat MEEZ. SINGLE and VIDEO on my YouTube channel. My LOVE letter to SOWETO. My ODE to South African Couture”
The post also featured a snippet of the song, giving fans a first listen before its official release.
According to The Citizen, Unathi explained why she chose to collaborate with Professor.
“I have admired Professor for years and wanted to release something meaningful before I release the full album this spring,” she said.
She also reflected on her artistic journey and how she approaches her work.
“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.”
A LOVE LETTER TO SOWETO
Ahead of the release, Unathi shared more details about the music video and the inspiration behind it.
She wrote: “ISIKHWELE – The Series. My music video for my new single ISIKHWELE will be available on my You Tube channel Unathi.Africa THIS FRIDAY June 12.
The video is my love letter to Soweto and an ode to South African couture. Most of the cast is from iBhoni Soweto Tours based at The Hector Peterson precinct who take tourists on a bicycle tour around South Africa’s largest township.”
The music video will premiere on her YouTube channel, Unathi.Africa, on Friday, 12 June 2026.
Unathi intentionally released the project during the month that commemorates the Soweto Uprisings. The timing adds another layer of meaning to the production and its storytelling.
UNATHI NKAYI SHOWCASES SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS
Fashion also plays a major role in the music video. Throughout the production, Unathi wears designs from several South African fashion houses, including MaXhosa Africa, Sun Goddess, Naked Ape and Berend Legacy.
She revealed that the video features seven different looks and shared details about one of her favourites.
“Out of my seven looks I asked world renowned photographer @nickboultonphotography to shoot THE ISIKHWELE SERIES and immortalise three of the looks from the video. This look is the first look in the video especially made for me by Maxhosa Atelier with jewels designed for me by Berend Legacy and glasses from Khosi eGqeberha.
Being Creative Director and Executive Producer on this project been exciting to say the least. CELEBRATING the 50th ANNIVERSARY of the Soweto Uprisings.”
The music video was directed and executive-produced by Unathi herself. She previously explained that she wanted to use her broadcasting experience to create a visual story that reflects her growth as an artist.
“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, storyline, editing and styling. I wanted to show how my artistry has evolved.”
With music, fashion and storytelling at its core, Isikhwele marks a bold new chapter for Unathi. Fans will finally get to experience the single and its accompanying visual tribute when it launches on 12 June.
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