Be brave, true and strong.
That was the advice dished out by award-winning singer Unathi Msengana who performed to a packed Boardwalk Conference Centre on Saturday evening.
The performance was part of a national tour to promote her fifth album, titled Brave, True and Strong.
Unathi described the album as a celebration of women who have been through difficulties yet persevere and emerge victorious.
She said the 10-track album, which features singles such as That’s Why I Love You, Faith and My Prayer, is the culmination of everything that was happening in her life.
“I have taken control of my life and I know what I want to achieve.
“If you listen carefully, you will hear me speak about parts of my life that I have never shared before. Be true,” she said.
The Idols SA judge, and businesswoman with 15 years’ experience in the music industry, performed hit songs from some of her previous albums and honoured South African female legends Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie with different renditions of Makeba’s Pata Pata and Fassie’s Too Late for Mama featuring hip-hop artist Kabom before moving on to singles from her current album.
She said performing in her hometown, in the presence of family and friends, was a blessing she would treasure forever.
Avid Unathi fan Nono Mbulawa said this was her first concert and she was glad Unathi had decided to include Nelson Mandela Bay in her tour.
“Events such as this one are soul therapy, an opportunity to actually experience live music that has not been touched – it is truly food for the soul,” Mbulawa said.