South African music star, broadcaster and storyteller Unathi Nkayi is stepping back into the spotlight with renewed purpose, unveiling her highly anticipated new single, Isikhwele, ahead of the release of her upcoming album, African Love.
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: South African singer, broadcaster and creative visionary Unathi Nkayi returns to music with the release of her new single Isikhwele, featuring Kwaito Legend Professor and rising artist Meez. The single, accompanied by a self-directed music video celebrating Soweto, serves as the lead release from her forthcoming album African Love, expected later this year. Photo Credit: Supplied
Set for release on 12 June 2026, Isikhwele sees Unathi joining forces with Kwaito icon Professor and emerging artist Meez in a soulful and emotionally rich collaboration that explores the complexities of jealousy, vulnerability and love within relationships.
The release marks Unathi’s first major musical offering in recent years and signals what she describes as a significant chapter of personal healing, creative growth and artistic reinvention.
For many South Africans, Unathi has long been recognised as one of the country’s most dynamic voices — not only as a singer and songwriter but also as an acclaimed broadcaster, speaker and cultural storyteller. With Isikhwele, she returns to music with a project that places narrative, visual artistry and African identity at its centre.
“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,” said Unathi.
A Love Letter to Soweto
Accompanying the single is a visually captivating music video that Unathi creatively directed and executive produced herself. More than just a music video, the project serves as a cinematic tribute to Soweto during the month that commemorates the Soweto Uprisings.
The visual production celebrates South African culture, heritage and fashion, with Unathi positioning herself as a living canvas showcasing the work of leading local luxury designers. Through fashion, storytelling and imagery, the project creates a powerful intersection between music, identity and cultural pride.
Expanding the creative universe of Isikhwele, Unathi has partnered with renowned photographer Nick Boulton to produce The Isikhwele Series — a digital visual collection designed to preserve and extend the artistic life of the fashion and imagery featured in the music video.
The series forms part of a broader multimedia campaign that demonstrates Unathi’s desire to create lasting artistic experiences beyond traditional music releases.
“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,” she explained.
Healing, Motherhood and a Return to Creativity
Unathi’s return to recording comes after a period of personal reflection and healing. She revealed that the passing of her father and her commitment to focusing on her children led her to step back and recalibrate creatively.
That period of introspection has ultimately shaped the emotional depth and authenticity of her new work.
“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.”
The singer also expressed her admiration for Professor, describing the collaboration as a meaningful partnership that helped bring the project to life before the release of her forthcoming album.
African Stories for a Global Audience
Beyond the music itself, Isikhwele forms part of a larger vision for African storytelling. Unathi has partnered with LOUD IN AFRICA, a global digital platform dedicated to amplifying African voices and creative content on the international stage.
The partnership will see her upcoming work distributed globally, positioning African Love not only as an album but as a cultural offering designed to connect African narratives with audiences around the world.
“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,” she said.
With African Love expected later this spring, Isikhwele offers listeners an exciting glimpse into a more mature, reflective and creatively ambitious Unathi.
As one of South Africa’s most respected creative talents returns to music, fans can expect more than just songs — they can expect stories, culture, fashion and artistry woven together into a compelling new chapter.
“Camagu.”
