Somizi Buyani Mhlongo, born on December 23, 1972, is a South African media personality, television presenter, actor, choreographer, and socialite. He rose to fame in 1992 with his role in the musical and political film, “Sarafina!” Following that, Mhlongo became the lead choreographer for major events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations‘ opening and closing ceremonies.
After his breakthrough in “Sarafina!”, Mhlongo continued to appear in various films and TV shows, including the 1995 drama “Cry, the Beloved Country,” and has had roles on “Idols South Africa” and “V Entertainment.”
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Somizi Mhlongo Net Worth
Somizi Mhlongo’s net worth stands at $5 million, equivalent to 87 million Rand. He has served as the ambassador for the satellite service DStv and has endorsements with the Department of Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, Mhlongo has collaborated with McDonald’s South Africa as the face of McCafé Coach Sessions.
Early Life
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo was born on December 23, 1972, in Soweto, Johannesburg’s largest township, to South African actress Mary Twala and actor/comedian Ndaba Mhlongo. Growing up in an entertainment family, he was introduced to the industry early on. He had one sibling, a brother named Archie, who was tragically stabbed to death in 1985.
Career
Somizi Mhlongo started his acting career at 13, appearing in the 1987 film “Scavengers.” By 1992, he was cast in the musical and political film “Sarafina!” as Fire, also known as “Whacko.” His subsequent film roles included “Kein Himmel über Afrika” (1993) and “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995). In 1996, Mhlongo appeared on the television series “Tarzan: The Epic Adventures.”
He gained significant recognition as a judge on “Idols South Africa” starting in its eleventh season and was a lead judge on the SABC 1 show “Dance Your Butt Off” with Khabonina Qubeka. In 2016, he launched his reality show “Living the Dream with Somizi” on Mzansi Magic, and he has also appeared in TV shows such as “City Ses’la,” “Ayeye,” and “10 Over 10.”
Mhlongo has hosted the South African Music Awards for three consecutive years (2016-2018) and was the roastee in Comedy Central’s annual roast special on April 26, 2018. He also co-hosted the KZN Entertainment Awards with Pearl Thusi on December 15, 2020.
Personal life
Somizi Mhlongo, while dating actress Palesa Madisakwane and an unnamed man, came out as bisexual. He and Madisakwane had a daughter, Bahumi Madisakwane, on February 19, 1995. Later, Mhlongo identified as gay and ended his relationship with Madisakwane.
Mhlongo has generally kept his relationships private, but in 2017, rumors emerged about his relationship with South African model and entrepreneur Mohale Tebogo Motaung. They confirmed their relationship in 2018 and got engaged in Paris. The couple married in a traditional ceremony on September 28, 2019, and had a white wedding on January 30, 2020.
However, they separated in 2021. In March 2023, it was revealed that their marriage was not legally recognized, leading Mhlongo to withdraw his divorce proceedings.
Has Somizi Made any Music ?
In the 2000s, Mhlongo explored Kwaito and gospel genres for his music releases, which unfortunately did not achieve critical or commercial success.In 2017, he made a comeback with “Ngibonile,” a house and gqom-influenced track featuring DJ and record producer Heavy K.
In 2021, Mhlongo featured on Vusi Nova’s song “Ntandane,” from the gospel-influenced album “Ngumama.”
Conclusion
Somizi Mhlongo’s journey from a child actor to a wealthy lifestyle curator is a testament to his talent, versatility, and entrepreneurial spirit. As he continues to expand his horizons, Somizi remains a beacon of success in the South African entertainment landscape.
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FAQs About Somizi Mhlongo
- How did Somizi start his career? Somizi began his career as a child actor in the acclaimed musical “Sarafina!”, which set the stage for his future in entertainment.
- Is Somizi Mhlongo married? Somizi’s personal life, including his marriage, has been widely publicized. He married Mohale Motaung in a lavish ceremony, although they have since parted ways.
- What businesses does Somizi own? Beyond entertainment, Somizi is a successful entrepreneur with ventures in the culinary world, including a cookware line and a cookbook.
- What is Somizi’s most notable work as a choreographer? Somizi has choreographed numerous high-profile events and shows, including the opening and closing ceremonies of significant sporting events.
- How does Somizi give back to the community? Through his visibility and activism, Somizi advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and uses his platform to support charitable causes and uplift underprivileged communities.
