'Idols SA' Bids Long Time Judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi Adieu: "Fresh Approach"

• Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi will no longer be judges on popular South African singing competition Idols SA
• DStv said the move is in line with its vision to shake things up and introduce fresh faces onto South Africa's TV screens
• Randall was on the show for 17 seasons, with Unathi boasting nearly half of that time, having served as a judge for 10 seasons

Mzansi learnt with surprise on Friday that M-Net and Mzansi Magic will not be retaining Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi as judges for the upcoming season of Idols SA (South Africa).

MultiChoice-owned broadcast satellite service DStv announced they were pursuing a new approach to stay competitive for the 18th season of the popular singing competition, News24 reported.

The broadcasting service expressed gratitude to Randall, who'd been on the show since the first episode was aired on 10 March 2002, and Unathi, who judged on the last 10 seasons, for their time as judges.

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M-Net's channel director for local entertainment channels, Shirley Adonisi, elaborated on the decision to end the relationship with the pair, who follow Somizi Mhlongo in departing the show.

Briefly News previously reported that Somizi was axed when allegations of physical abuse were levelled against him by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung came to light in August last year.

The need to shake things up

"M-Net won't renew their contracts for the upcoming season. We're taking a fresh, new approach to the judging panel to keep audiences glued to our screens. We want to stay competitive in the primetime slot on Sundays," said Adonisi.

"We praise Randall and Unathi for their role in the South African entertainment industry. They both demonstrated high professionalism and made a [indelible] mark. For their future endeavours, we wish them well."

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The Citizen reported auditions for Idols SA Season 18 will take place from Sunday, 23 January, with broadcasting scheduled for later this year. The new panel is expected to be announced in due course.

Kaya FM rebukes Unathi silencing claims

Elsewhere, Briefly News previously reported that Unathi spoke out for the first time following her unexpected exit from commercial radio station Kaya 959 in November.

At the time of her sensational axing from her Midday Joy show, Kaya explained in a statement released shortly afterwards that it had been due to certain conduct that rendered the relationship between her and the station intolerable.

Moreover, the station claimed the now-departing Idols SA judge's then-conduct ensured a breakdown of trust between the two parties, according to a TimesLIVE report.

Having remained mum on the matter since the dramatic turn of events, Nkayi took to her Instagram, where she posted a video addressing the claims via a written statement.

Source: Briefly News