Samizi and Unathi: A Bitter Fallout That Shocked Fans and the Industry

The entertainment world is no stranger to controversies, feuds, and high-profile fallouts. However, when two prominent South African celebrities, Samizi Mhlongo and Unathi Nkayi, experienced a public falling out, it left fans and the industry in shock.

Their friendship, which had once appeared as a close and harmonious bond, turned into a bitter rift that played out in the public eye. This article delves into the details surrounding their fallout, how it affected both their careers, and what Samizi has revealed about the situation in recent months.

The Close Relationship Between Samizi and Unathi

Samizi and Unathi were once considered one of the most iconic duos in the South African entertainment scene.

Both well-established in their respective fields, Samizi as a television personality, choreographer, and actor, and Unathi as a renowned radio host, singer, and television personality, they seemed inseparable. Their friendship was the subject of admiration, and many saw them as a power couple of the entertainment industry, despite not being romantically involved.

Their bond was so close that, for a time, many people might have mistaken them for being in a romantic relationship due to their intimacy and shared experiences. Their personalities complemented each other well—Samizi’s extroverted, bubbly nature and Unathi’s grounded, sometimes more reserved demeanor made for a perfect combination. This closeness, however, would eventually face a severe test.

The Breaking Point: Samizi’s Firing from Idols South Africa

The catalyst for their fallout was a tragic and difficult period in Samizi’s life. In 2021, Samizi was removed from the popular South African singing competition Idols South Africa following accusations made against him by his then-husband, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale publicly alleged that Samizi had been abusive toward him during their marriage, which led to Samizi being suspended from his role as a judge on Idols and facing backlash in the media.

This period was incredibly tough for Samizi, both personally and professionally. The accusations not only affected his reputation but also led to a significant loss of wealth and business opportunities.

His career took a massive hit, and it was during this low point that he turned to those closest to him for support, including his dear friend Unathi. However, instead of offering the support Samizi desperately needed, Unathi’s reaction was anything but comforting.

Unathi’s Decision to Distance Herself

Unathi’s actions during this time would go on to spark a major controversy. Instead of standing by her friend Samizi, Unathi took a different route. She made it clear on social media that she was no longer friends with Samizi and unfollowed him on all platforms. This decision was a significant blow to Samizi, who had relied on their friendship during one of the darkest moments in his life.

The public nature of Unathi’s decision to sever ties with Samizi shocked many of their fans. While Samizi was going through a highly publicized personal crisis, Unathi chose to publicly distance herself.

She posted an Instagram story in which she stated that Samizi was no longer her friend and emphasized that she had unfollowed him. At the time, Samizi was under investigation for the allegations made by Mohale and had been suspended from Idols South Africa, along with losing other business contracts.

In addition to cutting ties with Samizi, Unathi also made a strong statement on social media about R. Kelly, urging her followers to stop listening to his music and to boycott him. This post indirectly pointed to her own stance on standing against individuals accused of harmful actions, which many saw as a reflection of her distancing herself from Samizi amidst the accusations against him.

Samizi’s Reaction and Public Statement

For several months, Samizi chose not to speak about the situation or about Unathi. He remained silent on the issue, possibly out of respect for their shared history or perhaps because he was still processing the betrayal. However, on the most recent episode of his reality TV show Living the Dream with Somizi, the star finally opened up about his fallout with Unathi and shared his feelings with his audience.

During the episode, Samizi discussed his broken relationship with Unathi with his close friend and confidant, Vusi Nova. Samizi expressed his deep disappointment in Unathi’s actions, admitting that he was hurt by her decision to turn her back on him at a time when he needed her the most. He revealed that he was shocked and saddened by the way she handled the situation, especially since they had been such close friends for years.

Samizi made it clear that he does not want to speak to Unathi ever again, stating that he could only interact with her in a professional capacity if they were forced to collaborate.

While he acknowledged that they both work in the same industry, Samizi emphasized that any future interactions would remain strictly professional and not personal. He stated that Unathi could have handled the situation more gracefully, but instead, she took to social media to publicly air their differences, which he found disappointing.

In his emotional recounting, Samizi mentioned that their friendship could have been salvaged had Unathi chosen to deal with the matter in a more private and respectful manner. He emphasized that there was no need for the situation to escalate to the level it did, especially when a simple conversation between the two could have resolved things without the need for public drama.

The Fallout’s Impact on Both Careers

The fallout between Samizi and Unathi has had a lasting impact on both their careers. While Samizi continues to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry through his reality show, Living the Dream with Somizi, and other ventures, the accusations against him and his public fallout with Unathi have undoubtedly affected his public image.

Despite this, Samizi has managed to stay relevant, largely due to his unwavering confidence and personality that continues to captivate his audience.

On the other hand, Unathi’s career has also been impacted by her distancing from Samizi. While she remains a respected radio host and television personality, her public stance against Samizi and her dramatic fallout with a once-close friend has caused some fans to question her loyalty and judgment.

The public nature of the fallout and her social media posts have likely damaged some of her fanbase’s perception of her, and it remains to be seen how her career will evolve in the wake of this drama.

Conclusion: A Story of Betrayal and Disappointment

Samizi and Unathi’s fallout is a story of betrayal, disappointment, and the complexities of friendships in the public eye. It serves as a stark reminder of how personal and professional lives can intersect, especially for public figures.

While Samizi has chosen to move on and not rekindle his friendship with Unathi, the hurt and disappointment he feels are clear. This dramatic turn of events shows the challenges of maintaining close relationships when fame and personal crises collide.

The public will likely continue to follow their journey, with many eager to see how their careers unfold in the coming years. Will they reconcile? Will Samizi’s decision to cut ties with Unathi affect their professional trajectories? Only time will tell. For now, it seems that both stars are focused on their respective paths, with Samizi’s recent public revelation shedding light on a painful chapter in his life.