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.
