South African singer and former Idols judge Unathi Nkayi has shed light on her eight-year marriage to radio personality Thomas Msengana, revealing the truth behind their 2017 separation.
In a candid interview on the popular Podcast and Chill with MacG, Unathi Nkayi addressed the rumours of infidelity that had plagued the couple, stating unequivocally that their split was due to growing apart.
"We grew apart," she said, adding that they had tried everything to salvage their marriage before ultimately deciding to go their separate ways.
"In 2014, we had a family meeting; all the elders were flown in from all over the country," she revealed, highlighting the lengths they went to in an attempt to reconcile.
Nkayi also addressed the misconception that Msengana's "bad boy" image played a role in their split. She emphasized that he had indeed transformed, demonstrating a willingness to adapt for the sake of their relationship.
"He did stop being a bad boy. The reason why I stopped making house music was because he came home to me one day and said, 'If we want to survive, I’ll stop playing in clubs, and you need to stop making music that makes you have to perform in clubs.' That’s why I stop making house music," she said.
Unathi Nkayi's revelations come after the couple made headlines in 2019 amid rumours of infidelity. At the time, Nkayi accused Msengana of "sexting" other women and exchanging explicit photographs. The Sowetan reported that these claims resulted in a protection order battle at the Randburg magistrate's court.
However, all that appears to be water under the bridge for Unathi, who shares that she and Msengana are successfully co-parenting their children. Despite the divorce, she revealed that he still holds a special place in her heart and that her parents, including her father, often talk about him.
"The kids see him all the time, so we were definitely meant to marry and he's definitely one of my greatest loves," Unathi said.
The artist has also disclosed that she is open to the prospect of getting married again, emphasising that she is not opposed to the idea.
Nkayi's candid and honest account of her marriage and subsequent divorce offers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of relationships, dispelling the often-sensationalized narratives surrounding celebrity breakups.
Her willingness to address the rumours head-on and speak about the challenges they faced as a couple demonstrates her strength and resilience.
