SA singer Unathi announces tour in celebration of women

Unathi will be joined by local artists Proverb, Mondli Ngcobo, DJ Merlon, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Choir and upcoming musician Terrence McKay.

“I intend to celebrate who we are as women – complex, diverse, loving, joyous and beautiful," Unathi told Music In Africa. "The tour is a space of celebration and reflection. My music has always been honest and extremely personal, in that I intend to share my 15-year musical journey openly. The past few years have been both beautiful and challenging. I have taken control of my life and I know what I want to archive.

“This album is the culmination of everything that is happening in my life. If you listen carefully you will hear me speak about parts of my life that I have never shared before.”

Unathi, who doubles up as a businesswoman and Idols SA judge, said upcoming female musicians could learn from her experience as a successful working woman and mother.

“As a single mother, who is blessed to be able to sustain myself in this fickle industry, it’s a miracle that I can finance my own tour. I hope that can be a great example for them to invest in themselves. The latest single from the album ‘Hallo Sana’ speaks of the plight of a working mother and the pain of having to leave her kids at home while she goes to work to put food on the table.

“This is a song about sacrifice and the joy that comes from giving up a lot just to make sure that your kids are happy. ‘Hallo Sana’ speaks about the challenges that many women face on a daily basis.”

Commenting on whether there is fair representation of women in the music industry, Unathi said: “I have learnt that no one owes me anything and that I cannot have entitlement issues with regards to any dreams I may have. I think there are many strong, moving and powerful female voices in the industry.

I do, however, learn more from my male friends in the industry when it comes to the business and the hustle on how to sustain oneself through the trials and tribulations of the industry.”

Brave, True and Strong tour dates:

18.08 – Lyric Theatre, Johannesburg
24.08 – Meropa Casino, Polokwane
14.09 – Rhodes University Benefit Concert, Grahamstown
15.09 – Boardwalk, Port Elizabeth
20.09 – Playhouse Theatre, Durban

Ticket are available via Computicket.