Unathi Nkayi Performs Barefoot for Cuban President at the Havana Book Fair: “A Sign of Respect”

• Unathi Nkayi impressed Mzansi when she performed barefoot for the Cuban president at the Havana Fair as part of the South African delegation to the Artist Indaba
• Fans praised her performance, but controversy arose when Ntsiki Mazwai claimed she was unfairly replaced on the trip due to Unathi’s ties to Minister Gayton McKenzie
• Ntsiki later apologised after Unathi addressed their long-standing feud and the minister threatened legal action

Seasoned South African television and radio personality Unathi Nkayi left Mzansi basking in pride when she shared a video of her performance in Cuba. The star was among the South African delegation that attended the Artist Indaba.

Unathi Nkayi's performance for Cuban president

2025 started on a high note for former Idols SA judge Unathi Nkayi who was part of the SA delegation to Cuba. The star took to her page to give Mzansi a glimpse of her powerful performance.

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She explained that she performed barefoot as a sign of respect to the Cuban president. The post read:

"I performed for the President of Cuba at The Havana Fair opening. LOOK AT GOD🥺😩💯♥️🇨🇺 🇿🇦 I did so barefoot🙏🏾 as a sign of

espect."

Fans react to Unathi's performance

Social media users loved the star's performance. Many praised her for showcasing her talent and making the country proud.

@katlegodankeofficial said:

"Halala!!!! Fly that flag queen. No DNA! Just RSA"

@nandingcanga commented:

"Talk about the minister living up to his word."

@vintagegeraldine added:

"You looked stunning. That dress OMG"

@manzimonate said:

"I'm reminded of Joel 2:25. Time is irreplaceable, yet God promises to restore what was lost!! This is only the beginning."

@mihlalig wrote:

So beautiful, so deserving. May God continue placing you higher and higher."

A look at the drama surrounding Unathi's trip to Cuba

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Unathi charted social media after controversial poet Ntsiki Mazwai revealed that Unathi was selected to go to Cuba in her place, because of Unathi's relationship with Minister Gayton McKenzie.

Ntsiki did not end there, she brought receipts to prove that the Cubans had requested her by name, but Unathi (who is not a poet or author) was chosen to go instead. Ntsiki's accusations sparked a heated debate online which forced Unathi and Minister McKenzie to speak out.

Unathi addressed her beef with Ntsiki saying it started years ago, while the minister threatened to take legal action against the poet. Eventually, she folded and issued a public apology for the things she said.

Ntsiki Mazwai faces asset seizure per court order

This is, unfortunately, not the first time Ntsiki Mazwai has found herself entangled in public beef with a fellow industry peer. The outspoken poet is once again caught in the sticky web of the justice system after a court granted DJ Euphonik a writ of execution against her.

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This means that Mazwai's assets are eligible to be auctioned off to pay for the defamation damages levelled against her. Mazwai, who previously lost lawsuits to both DJ Euphonik and DJ Fresh over social media comments, was ordered by the court to pay damages and refrain from making defamatory statements.

The legal battle between Ntsiki Mazwai and DJ Euphonik started in 2021 after a woman on social media accused DJ Fresh and DJ Euphonik of sexual assault. Ntsiki Mazwai publicly sided with the alleged victim, taking to social media to put the DJs on blast. DJ Euphonik responded by dragging Mazwai to court.

The usually confrontational Ntsiki Mazwai has not officially responded to the reports, however, she has hinted on social media that she is going through the most. Some social media users are sympathising with the Moya Podcast host, while others are urging Euphonik to keep pushing until Ntsiki pays what she owes.

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Unathi opens up on her beef with Ntsiki Mazwai

In more entertainment news, Briefly News reported that it seems like there is more than what meets the eye with Ntsikelelo Mazwai and Unathi Nkayi, as the two have been at loggerheads for the longest time, and recently, the former Idols SA judge decided to clear the air and address this long-lived beef.

Recently, Unathi Nkayi decided to go on her Instagram page and address the claims that Mazwai made about her. Ntsiki has been on Nkayi's neck forever, and previously, she was angry that the media personality was still getting gigs even after her saga with Sizwe Dhlomo.

Source: Briefly News