Somizi Buyani Mhlongo is a South African television personality, radio personality, choreographer, actor, singer and celebrity chef. In 1992, he appeared on the musical and political film, Sarafina! which gained his prominence. Mhlongo became lead choreographer for numerous shows and events, including the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. After starring and taking part in the choreography of Sarafina!, Mhlongo also appeared in several films including drama film Cry, the Beloved Country. He ventured into music, which was a critical and commercial failure. He then made a revival with his song Ngibonile featuring house record producer Heavy K. With numerous television appearances, Mhlongo became one of the notable and successful personalities in South African industry. He appeared in various television shows, including Idols South Africa, V Entertainment , and his reality show Living the Dream with Somizi.
Early life
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo was born on 23 December 1972, in Soweto, a borough of Johannesburg, to the late South African veteran actress, Mary Twala, and the late actor and comedian, Ndaba Mhlongo. With the experience of both his parents, he became exposed to the entertainment industry at a very young age. He had one sibling, Archie, who was fatally stabbed in 1985.
Career
Film and television
Mhlongo's acting career began when he was 13, appearing on the film Scavengers in 1987. In 1992, he then joined the musical and political film, Sarafina! in which he played his own name but was given the nickname "Whacko". He also appeared in films including Kein Himmel über Afrika and Cry, the Beloved Country. Mhlongo was featured on the television series in 1996. His biggest judging duty was when he was appointed as the new judge for the eleventh season of Idols South Africa. He was also a lead judge on the former SABC 1 competition show Dance Your Butt Off alongside actress and dancer Khabonina Qubeka. In 2016, Mhlongo premiered his reality show Living the Dream with Somizi which aired on Mzansi Magic. Other TV credits include City Ses'la, Ayeye and 10 Over 10. Mhlongo hosted various award shows notably being the South African Music Awards where he co-hosted for 3 consecutive years. On 26 April 2018, Mhlongo was the featured roastee in Comedy Central's annual roast special.
Choreography
Mhlongo's debut choreography work was on the musical film Sarafina! He choreographed many prominent events including the opening and closing ceremonies for the huge international football association FIFA for the 2010 hosting in his home country South Africa. Mhlongo choreographed various award shows and events including Miss South Africa, Metro FM Music Awards, South African Music Awards and the Channel O Music Video Awards. He also danced, and was a choreographer for the gospel choir Joyous Celebration. In 2017, Mhlongo released the dance workout DVD Grind! With Somizi, which was available at Verimark. The workout choreography had many elements of South African dance moves. Mhlongo also did several YouTube workout videos under the name Kwaitone Dance Fitness with Somizi.
Radio
Starting on 3 April 2017, Mhlongo was one of the co-hosts of Metro FM breakfast show The Fresh Breakfast Show alongside the lead host DJ Fresh and soccer presenter Mpho Letsholonyane. On 30 March 2019, it was announced that he would be replaced by Relebogile Mabotja as the station reshuffled. Mhlongo was then moved to co-host #TheBridge – the show after the set and airing of The Fresh Breakfast Show timeslot.
Other ventures
Endorsements
In 2017, Mhlongo was named the ambassador for the satellite service DStv as for his notability on Idols South Africa which airs on two of their channels – M-Net and Mzansi Magic. He then endorsed with the Department of Water and Sanitation later that year. He also endorsed McDonald's South Africa in being the face of McCafé Coach Sessions.
Writing
On 29 June 2017, Mhlongo released his autobiographical book named Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit. He co-wrote the book alongside with journalist and author Lesley Mofokeng. The book shares his life in showbiz, childhood, entertainment business, parents' roles, sexuality and friendship.
Music
Mhlongo incorporated in Kwaito and gospel for his song releases in the 2000s, which critically and commercially failed. In 2017, he released his house-focused and gqom-influenced revival song "Ngibonile" featuring DJ and record producer Heavy K.
Personal life
Mhlongo dated actress Palesa Madisakwane while in a relationship with an anonymous man. This led him to come out as bisexual. Madisakwane and Mhlongo welcomed their first child, Bahumi Madisakwane, on 19 February 1995. Mhlongo later came out as gay, which resulted in him splitting with Madisakwane. Mhlongo has kept his relationships private. However, in 2017 rumors surfaced that he was dating South African model and entrepreneur Mohale Tebogo Motaung. The two confirmed these rumors in 2018. Mhlongo proposed to Motaung while on their vacation in Paris, France. The two were married in a traditional wedding on 28 September 2019, and they had a white wedding on 30 January 2020. On 14 February 2020, the couple made a guest appearance on Metro FM-Morning Flava breakfast show. During the interview, Mhlongo said they were investing in a new home and they would jet off on their honeymoon to Coachella and Dubai in April. They also hinted at having a third wedding in Italy.
