Somizi Buyani Mhlongo, a South African media figure, television host, actor, choreographer, and socialite, was born on December 23, 1972. His role in the politically charged musical film Sarafina! in 1992 helped him become well-known. Mhlongo rose to the position of principal choreographer for many productions and occasions, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Biography profile of Somizi Mhlongo
Full name : Somizi Buyani Mhlongo
Gender : Male
Age : 51 years old (2023)
Date of birth : 23 December 1972
Place of birth : Soweto, Johannesburg Gauteng province
Nationality : South African
Occupation : actor, singer and choreographer, Socialite, television and media personality
Known for : Idols South Africa judge and Sarafina
Early life of Somizi Mhlongo
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo, the son of South African actress Mary Twala and actor and comedian Ndaba Mhlongo, was born on December 23, 1972, in Soweto, the largest township in Johannesburg. He was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age thanks to his parents’ influence. One brother, Archie, who was fatally stabbed in 1985, was his only sibling. [1]
Television and Film Career
When Mhlongo was 13 years old, he made his acting debut in the 1987 movie Scavengers. He then joined the musical and political movie Sarafina! in 1992, playing a role called Fire who went by the moniker “Whacko.” Additionally, he made appearances in the films Cry, the Beloved Country (1995) and Kein Himmel libre Afrika (1993).
In 1996, Mhlongo made an appearance in the television programme Tarzan: The Epic Adventures.His selection as the new judge for the eleventh season of Idols South Africa was his biggest judging responsibility.) Alongside actress and dancer Khabonina Qubeka, he served as a lead judge on the defunct SABC 1 competition programme Dance Your Butt Off. On Mzansi Magic, Mhliongo debuted his reality series, Living the Dream with Somizi, in 2016.) Other television credits include 70 Over 10, City Ses’la, and Ayeye.
Mhlongo co-hosted the South African Music Awards for three years in a row (2016, 2017 and 2018) among other award ceremonies. Mhlongo was the featured roastee in Comedy Central’s annual roast programme on April 26, 2018. The KZN Entertainment Awards will be co-hosted by him and Pearl Thusi on December 15, 2020. [2]
Choreography
Mhlongo’s first piece of choreography appeared in the musical Sarafina! The opening and closing ceremonies for the massive international football association FIFA for the 2010 hosting in his home country South Africa were among the notable events he planned. Miss South Africa, the Metro FM Music Awards, the South African Music Awards, and the Channel O Music Video Awards are just a few of the award shows and occasions that Mhlongo choreographed. He was a choreographer for the gospel group Joyous Celebration and also performed dance.
The dancing fitness DVD Grind! With Somizi was launched by Mhlongo in 2017 and was sold at Verimark. There were a lot of South African dance motions in the workout routine. Additionally, Mhlongo produced a number of training videos for YouTube under the name Kwaitone Dance Fitness with Somizi.
Related posts
Radio career of Somizi Mhlongo
Beginning on April 3, 2017, Mhlongo co-hosted The Fresh Breakfast Show on Metro FM with DJ Fresh, the show’s principal host, and football commentator Mpho Letsholonyane. On March 30, 2019, it was revealed that Relebogile Mabotja would take his place as the station underwent a personnel change. Mhlongo was later promoted to co-host #TheBridge, the show that took over The Fresh Breakfast Show’s time slot after it had been set and broadcast.
Other businesses of Somizi Mhlongo
Endorsements
Mhlongo was appointed the ambassador for DStv in 2017 due to his fame from the reality show Idols South Africa, which is shown on two of their channels, M-Net and Mzansi Magic. Later that year, he signed on with the Department of Water and Sanitation. He supported McCafé Coach Sessions as the face of McDonald’s South Africa as well.
Writing
Mhlongo published his autobiography, Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit, on June 29, 2017. Together with novelist and journalist Lesley Mofokeng, he co-wrote the book. His showbiz career, upbringing, work in the entertainment industry, parental duties, sexuality, and friendship are all discussed in the book.
Music
Mhlongo blended in Kwaito and gospel for his song releases in the 2000s, which critically and commercially flopped. He released “Ngibonile” in 2017, a revival song with a house vibe and ggom influences that features DJ and music producer Heavy K. Mhlongo made a recording in 2021 as a featured artist on Vusi Nova’s gospel-influenced album “Ngumama” song “Ntandane”. [3]
Private life
While dating an anonymous man, Mhlongo dated the actress Palesa Madisakwane. He revealed that he is bisexual as a result. Bahumi Madisakwane was born to Madisakwane and Mhlongo on February 19, 1995. After Mhlongo came out as gay, his relationship with Madisakwane came to an end.
Mhlongo has kept his romantic liaisons a secret. However, in 2017 there were rumours that he was dating Mohale Tebogo Motaung, a businesswoman and model from South Africa. In 2018, the two affirmed these rumours. While on vacation in Paris, France, Mhlongo proposed to Motaung. On September 28, 2019, the couple had a traditional wedding; on January 30, 2020, they had a white wedding.
