Somizi Mhlongo

Somizi Mhlongo is a television and radio personality, an actor, choreographer and singer famously known as a judge on the ‘Idols SA’. He became popular after appearing in the hit political and musical hit film ‘Sarafina’ which features Whoopi Goldberg and other prominent celebrity actors.

Somizi has been featured as the lead choreographer for several events and shows, including the opening and closing of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. He is currently married to his gay partner, Mohale Motaung.

Early Life and Education

Somizi Buyani Mhlongo-Motaung was born on 23 December 1972 in Soweto to the popular South African actress Mary Twala and actor Ndaba Mhlongo. He was groomed by his parents who were at the prime of their careers at that time.  Through his parent’s influence, he became exposed to the entertainment industry at the age of 13.

This helped Somizi thrive well in the industry, landing his first acting role at the age of 13 in the movie ‘Scavengers’. He had one brother named “Archie”, who was fatally stabbed in 1985. However, Somizi doesn’t have many educational records and that is because he spent most of his life on the acting set.

Career

Somizi’s multi-faceted entertainment career started off at the age of 13. He made his debut movie in 1987’s Scavengers before he appeared in the musical and political film, Sarafina, playing the role of ‘Whacko’ in 1992.

He also appeared in other movies and TV series, including Kein Himmel uber Afrika (1993), Tarzan; The Epic Adventure (1996), Cry and The Beloved Country (1995). His biggest role so far was when he was appointed as the new judge for the 11th season of Idols, South Africa. He was also a lead judge on the former SABC competition show Dance Your Butt Off alongside Khabonina Qubeka.

Mhlongo premiered his reality series, Living the Dream with Somizi, in 2016, and it aired on Mzansi Magic. Other TV appearances of Somizi include 10 over 10, Ayeye and City Ses’la. B Somizi also co-hosted the South African Music Awards for three years in a row while hosting other award ceremonies (2016, 2017 and 2018).

As of April 3, 2017, Mhlongo co-hosted The Fresh Breakfast Show on Metro FM with DJ Fresh, the show’s principal host, and soccer presenter Mpho Letsholonyane. On March 30, 2019, it was announced that Relebogile Mabotja would take his place as the station reshuffled. Somizi was then promoted to co-host #TheBridge, the show that took over The Fresh Breakfast Show’s time slot and was slated to air immediately after.

Apart from being an actor, TV and radio host, Somizi was also exposed to many endorsements. He was appointed the ambassador for Dstv in 2017 due to his fame in the reality show Idols South Africa and later got endorsed as the face of the Department of Water and Sanitation that same year.

Personal Life

Somizi Mhlongo was once in a relationship with the actress Palesa Madisakwane, while he was dating an unnamed man. Eventually, he came out as bisexual but has a son from his relationship with Madisakwane, Bahumi Madisakwane, on 19 February 1995.

For years, Somizi kept his relationship private. However, in 2017, it was rumoured that he was dating the South African model and entrepreneur Mohale Tebogo Motaung. Somizi and his boyfriend confirmed these rumours in 2018 and had their proposal while on a vacation in Paris. On 28 September 2019, they had their traditional wedding and on the 30th January 2020; they celebrated their wedding.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role
1986	Scavengers	Jeffery
1992	Sarafina!	Fire
1994	Kien Hiüber Afrika	Himself
1995	Cry, the Beloved Country	Young Thief
2006	Black Beulahs	Himself

Televison

• Africa Skies -1993
• Tarzan: The Epic Adventures – 1996
• Zero Tolerance – 2004
• City Ses’la – 2007
• Dance Your Butt Off- 2010–2012
• 10 over 10 – 2013-2016
• Zaziwa – 2013
• The Comedy Central Roast of Kenny Kunene-2014
• Reality Check – 2014
• aYeYe-2015
• Idols South Africa- 2015-present
• All That BS-2015
• South Africa film and Television Awards- 2016-2918
• Living the dream with Somizi
• 22nd South Africa Music Awards- 2016
• 23rd South African Music Awards- 2017
• V Entertainment- 2017-present
• The Comedy Central Roast of Somizi- 2018
• 24th South African Music Awards-2018
• Tropika Smooth Fan-2018
• Global Citizen Festival;Mandela 100
• 1st KZN Entertainment Awards- 2020

Somizi Mhlongo Net Worth

Somizi has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He gathered all his wealth from working as a radio and television personality, choreographer and an actor. He is also regarded to be one of the top celebrities in South African.

Social Media Handles

• Instagram: somizi
• Twitter: @SomiziDaily