Unathi
DJ, singer, presenter, sportswoman, Unathi has become a modern-day renaissance-woman. Born in Grahamstown, Unathi grew up in Namibia and spent her formative years in London. Unathi returned home in 1989 and went on to complete a journalism and drama degree from Rhodes University.
In 2001 Unathi moved to the City of Gold for her piece the pie. Shortly after her move, her talent was spotted and she landed her big break as the co-presenter of The Castle Loud Show which ran for over a year. While presenting Castle Loud, Unathi landed a spot presenting the first jazz slot on the ever-popular radio station YFM.
YFM, seeing the amazing talent, moved Unathi to co-present and produce the Kamikaze Heat show with Rude Boy Paul, Monday to Friday from 10 am – 2pm. The air ratings sky-rocketed to new heights.
Unathi used to sing in the corridors of Castle Loud, and as fate would have it, Zola heard her hidden talent and for a long time tried to convince her to feature in his album; "Sana Lwam" was born.
After the overwhelming response from the public with "Sana Lwam," even winning Song of the Year at the Metro FM awards in 2003. Ghetto Ruff decided to release a solo album for Unathi.
"For me, writing music is a challenge. I want to write music that I can sing to, and to rock when I'm on stage."
Unathi has also won awards for her fresh presenting skills and was voted one of the 10 most influential people in the arts by the Star newspaper in December 2003 and 2004. She was voted Top 10 women in media in the MTN Women in Media Awards. Could South Africa have another Diva in the making?
Unathi's first single, "Ndifuna ukugoduka" from the album My First Time is about her homecoming. In the song she talks about missing her home (South Africa) while she was living in the United Kingdom. One of the most stylistically eclectic albums out of Southern Africa in years, My first Time has music from R&B, hip-hop, Afro Jazz, soul, house. But what distinguishes Unathi's style from anybody else's is her unique talent to connect with people from all walks of life. In true testimony to her name, Unathi has released a debut album that is sure to unite our African nation in song. —Courtesy Calabash Music