Déjà vu: Unathi is reportedly axed from ‘Idols SA’ similar to Somizi
![](https://tribunesouthafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/tribune-sa-750x430.png)
[ad_1]
TV personality Unathi Nkayi is reportedly forced to leave ‘Idols SA’ season 18 while Somizi Mhlongo returns this year (2022).
TV and radio personality Unathi Nkayi is reportedly forced out of Idols SA season 18 while fan favourite judge Somizi Mhlongo is likely returning to the show.
Auditions for the upcoming season will start on 23 January this year (2022).
Also read: ‘Unfair to be dropped like that’: GQ Magazine replaces Unathi Nkayi
‘UNATHI NKAYI IS OUT’
Sources close to Idols SA have revealed that Unathi Nkayi will likely not return to Idols SA season 18 when Somizi Mhlongo returns.
Nkayi might not be part of season 18 when the singing competition Idols SA returns this month (January).
According to a City Press article, her break will coincide with the dramatic return of fan favourite Somizi Mhlongo who was not part of the competition last season.pe/Gallo Images
The source stated that Nkayi will allegedly be forced to leave for similar reasons to those of Mhlongo.
Nkayi was fired by Johannesburg radio station Kaya 959 back in November.
The station confirmed she was fired following a verbal feud with her co-worker Sizwe Dhlomo.
“Idols gave Somizi a break based on allegations of gender-based violence.”
“Unathi was entangled in the allegations that she made against Sizwe which were found to be false.”
“So she now has to be given a break from the show.”
Also read: Breaking: Kaya 959 parts ways with ‘Idols SA’ judge Unathi Nkayi
‘SOMIZI MHLONGO IS IN’
The publication has also reported that Somizi Mhlongo is likely to return to the show this year after he was booted out last season.
Mhlongo’s was booted due to the gender-based violence allegations that were made by his estranged husband – Mohale Motaung.
“Somizi has been given the green light because he is obviously the life of the show.”
“There was a huge difference when he was not on the show, in terms of declining viewership.”
“So he will be making a return this season after he was given a break last year (2021) to sort out his personal issues.”
Motaung accused Mhlongo of physically abusing him and Somizi denied the allegations but was taken off the air.
Somizi also took a break from his Metro FM – The Bridge and also stopped participating as an ambassador of the popular sneaker brand – Bathu.
Also read: ‘Idols SA’ judge Unathi Nkayi ‘cancels’ her friendship with Somizi
IDOLS SA PREVIOUS SEASON WINNER
Berenike “Berry” Trytsman’s was crowned Idols SA season 17 winner on Sunday 21 November 2021.
She beat runner-up Karabo Mathe and he also scores a recording deal with the iconic Kalawa Jazmee Records.
She also took home away a Renault Kiger valued at over R269 000, R100 000 in Truworths fashion vouchers, a Bachelor of Business Administration bursary valued at over R260 000 from Regenesys Business School, and R85 000 worth of musical equipment from Yamaha.
Tryysman’s also received a Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 on a Vodacom Red 100GB Plan.
[ad_2]