The all-around success of Unathi now includes the release of her debut live DVD, A Night with Unathi (pictured). She launched it at the very trendy, but very un-Unathi, Maboneng precinct at The Bioscope in downtown Jozi.
Media were treated to fantastic pizza in the adjacent restaurant where the radio DJ, television presenter and vocalist was glowing in anticipation of her new project.
The live show was recorded at The Teatro at the Mosaic Church in Joburg, when Zonke, Kabomo and Unathi were invited to celebrate Africa Day under the title African Masquerade.
“People often asked me why I had not yet released a live DVD of my performances so I decided to use the opportunity to do so,” she says between tasty bites of pizza.
“Many people in the audience didn’t even know we were filming. I wanted to document our creativity.”
Unathi and her DJ husband, Thomas Msengana, produced the show and she financed it herself.
“We have an eventing company where we concentrate on very specific events. Our biggest project is the second season of MasterChef. We also have a new show coming out on SABC2 on September 1. It is called Smovana and is about our love of cars and other modes of transport.”
She is also set for another season of judging on M-Net’s Idols. This is also where she met the director her DVD, Gavin Wratten. He is the director of Idols and was present at the premiere of A Night with Unathi, as was her music producer and very close friend, Kabomo and label head Lindelani Mkhize.
The DVD is a journey through her three albums and includes a 10- piece band and two very cute and cool performances by the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for education. It was wonderful to give back in some way. I will be giving 10 percent of my royalties to their school. They are so professional and taught me a lot.
“With this DVD I give the audience quality. I give them a full circle of what I am about musically. I am in a good space right now.”
Her life may seem perfect, but she did have a bit of a hiccup when an angry female listener wrote a long open letter to Metro FM essentially complaining that Unathi was condescending towards listeners. This being the era of social media, it quickly went viral. Unathi then disappeared off the air for a while. She also did not respond to the letter.
“The reason I didn’t say any-thing was because the listener is entitled to her opinion. I didn’t want to perpetuate the myth that people get publicly and viciously attacked for voicing their opinions. I co-incidentally left for Tunisia the next day. Metro FM were very protective. They suggested that I don’t read the letter and don’t comment.”
However, she has ridden the wave and with another series of Idols coming our way on July 21, she is set for even more scrutiny in the public eye.
Unathi, however, since her days on Castle Loud on SABC1 and YFM, has successfully managed to avoid scandal. This highly stylish, sophisticated and intelligent woman has carved out her niche in the entertainment industry because it is her job and her passion. The fame is merely a by-product of her work.
When it comes to the musical side of her career she says: “Because I am so emotional about music it is always a reflection of where I am right now. I have a very emotional side and that’s what the DVD brings out. It’s a way to celebrate my growth and show that I can diversify.”
A Night with Unathi is available at your nearest music store. It comes as a DVD and live CD.