Unathi Nkayi Receives Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award

Unathi Nkayi is celebrating a major career milestone after being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Icons of Africa Awards 2026.

The media personality and radio host received the accolade during a ceremony held in Sandton on Saturday, recognising her contribution to broadcasting since she first entered the industry in the late 1990s.

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Unathi described the moment as a dream come true.

“What a DREAM,” she wrote. “Thank you @icons_of_africa_awards for my LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in radio. For as long as Africans continue being great I will tell our great stories.”

The award marks another significant chapter in a career that has spanned radio, television, music and live entertainment.

Unathi Nkayi Reflects On Nearly Three Decades In Radio

While many South Africans know her from her years on Metro FM, Kaya FM and Idols SA, Unathi’s broadcasting journey started almost 30 years ago.

In a separate post, she thanked the awards platform for recognising work she says dates back to 1997.

“LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. On Saturday @icons_of_africa_awards honoured me for my radio work that I have done since 1997. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this intercontinental recognition MaAfrika,” she wrote.

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Over the years, Unathi has built a reputation as one of the country’s most recognisable voices, moving seamlessly between radio studios, television screens and music stages.

A Career That Continues To Evolve

What makes the recognition particularly notable is that Unathi is still actively working in the industry.

From her early days at YFM to becoming a household name on national radio, she has remained a prominent figure in South African media while also pursuing music, acting and event hosting opportunities.

Her influence extended even further during her lengthy stint as an Idols SA judge, where she played a role in helping shape the careers of several aspiring artists.

Judging by the reaction from fans online, many believe the latest award is a fitting acknowledgement of a career that has left a lasting mark on South African broadcasting.