Idols SA judge Unathi Nkayi has apologised for her comments about Xhosa people being “tired of holding up the nation”.
“Idols SA” judge Unathi Nkayi has apologised for her comments about Xhosa people being “tired of holding up the nation”.
This comes after the judge made the comments, on live TV, that viewers and social media users labeled as ‘ tribalist’ and ‘ divisive’.
Congratulating contestant Luyolo Yiba on his stellar performance on the show, Unathi said: “On behalf of the Xhosa people, we are tired of holding up the nation.”
She then went on to name several achievements by South African icons like actors John Kani and Atandwa Kani who starred in “Black Panther”, Miss SA Zozibini Tunzi, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and herself who she referred to as a published author following the release of her memoir, before including Luyolo on the list.
“We are finally happy that we have someone from the Eastern Cape in the finale,” she added.
Although audience members in the State Theatre cheered after Unathi’s comments, others did not take kindly to her comments online.
A video of her making the comments were posted on Twitter and went viral.
#IdolsSA hawu Unathi you said this👇🏾@IdolsSA@Mzansimagic#Luyolopic.twitter.com/BzH3WCTaZN
— #humanDignity (@angie43639902)November 10, 2019
Many viewers expressed their disappointment and accused Unathi of ‘dividing’ the country. “IF” you hurt our feeling?@Unathi_Africa I love you but this apology is not accepted. You are aware that you broke our heart, then you turn around and say “IF” you hurt our feelings. I know you can do better sisi.#unathi#IdolsSApic.twitter.com/irc9hvOd18
— Khothatso Melika Mohapi (@melika_mohapi)November 10, 2019
Unathi just jeopardized Luyolo’s chances in winning. That tribal joke was really not necessary#IdolsSApic.twitter.com/26fNAB6i9p
— 🌷VoluptuousMadame🌷 (@MthwaneAnelisa)November 10, 2019
As the Xhosa delegation, we are distancing ourselves from the words spoken by Unathi. Luyolo has worked extremely hard to get to where he is today. He does not deserve to be punished for Unathi’s ignorance. Do the right thing, vote Luyolo for clear skin.pic.twitter.com/aCxUifelIE
— FlawlesslyXhosa (@premium_xh)November 10, 2019
Lol I can’t believe Unathi, an entire judge, turned Luyolo’s performance into a matter of tribes. So because he’s Xhosa he’s more deserving? Fuck that#IdolsSApic.twitter.com/eSXXduG7vB
— Lebo (@leboclive)November 10, 2019
Following her hitting the top trends list in the country, the star took to Instagram to apologise for her comments.
She said that she was trying to carry a joke that was being passed around lately.
“It saddens me that I have broken so many hearts with what I said tonight. What I saw was a beautiful joke being passed around this past week by so many South Africans not necessarily Xhosa and wanted to share.”
She further said that she was wrong to do so and apologised to those who were offended.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared byUnathi.Africa(@unathi.co) on Nov 10, 2019 at 11:29am PST
