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'{{Short description|South African television personality (born 1972)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}} {{Use South African English|date=October 2018}} {{Infobox person | name = Somizi Mhlongo | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Somizi Buyani Mhlongo | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|12|23|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Somizi Mhlongo reveals his age|url=http://connect.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/34967/somizi-mhlongo-reveals-his-real-age/|website=The Citizen|access-date=27 November 2016}}</ref> | birth_place = [[Soweto, Gauteng]], [[South Africa]] | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = | party = [[African National Congress]] | other_names = Somgaga | occupation = {{hlist|Media personality|actor|[[choreographer]]|television presenter|singer}} | years_active = 1978–present | spouse = {{marriage|Mohale Motaung|2019|2021|end={{abbr|sep.|divorced}}}} | children = Bahumi Madisakwane | parents = [[Ndaba Mhlongo]] (father)<br />[[Mary Twala]] (mother) | known_for = ''[[Idols South Africa]]'' (judge), ''[[Sarafina! (film)|Sarafina]]'' | notable_works = }} '''Somizi Buyani Mhlongo''' (born 23 December 1972) is a South African media personality, television presenter, actor and choreographer. In 1992, he appeared on the musical and political film, ''[[Sarafina! (film)|Sarafina!]]'' which gained him prominence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/2017-12-11-gaga-over-somizi/|title=Gaga over Somizi|website=SowetanLIVE}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/how-somizi-won-south-africas-heart-20160105|title=How Somizi won South Africa's heart|website=Channel24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mbele|first=Gabi|date=13 January 2013|title=Spectacular ceremony to kick off Afcon|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/sunday-times-1107/20130113/282754879055358|work=Sunday Times|location=Johannesburg|access-date=21 April 2019}}</ref> After starring and taking part in the choreography of ''Sarafina!'', Mhlongo also appeared in several films including drama film ''[[Cry, the Beloved Country (1995 film)|Cry, the Beloved Country]]'' (1995)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112749/fullcredits|title=Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)|website=IMDb}}</ref> as well as various television shows, including [[Idols South Africa]] and [[V Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2017-07-31-somizi-and-nomuzi-score-gig-on-revamped-v--entertainment/|title=Somizi and Nomuzi score gig on revamped V- Entertainment|website=TimesLIVE}}</ref> == Early life == Somizi Buyani Mhlongo was born on 23 December 1972, in [[Soweto]], the largest township in [[Johannesburg]], to South African actress [[Mary Twala]] and actor and comedian [[Ndaba Mhlongo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/celebrity-news/local-celebrities/somizi-parents-love/|title=Somizi On His Parents' Love|website=People Magazine}}</ref> Through the influence of his parents, he became exposed to the entertainment industry at a young age. He had one sibling, a brother named Archie, who was fatally stabbed in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2017-08-08-i-couldve-warned-him-if-i-had-spoken-out-somizi-on-brothers-death/|title=Archie's death|website=Timeslive}}</ref> SOMIZI BUYANI MHLONGO WAYEZALWE NGOMHLA WE23 EYOMNGA 1972,ESOWETO EYONA IDOLOPHU INKULUI JOHAMMESBURG,APHA EMZANTSI AFRIKA ,ABAZALI BAKHE MGU MARY THWALA KUNYE NO NDABA MHLONGO KWIMINYAKA EPHAMBILI WAYE WAZIBANDAKANYA NGOKU VELA KOO MABONAKUDE. == Career == === Film and television === Mhlongo's acting career began when he was 13, appearing on the film ''Scavengers'' in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famousfaces.co.za/artists/somizi-mhlongo/|title=Somizi Mhlongo|website=Famous Faces}}</ref> In 1992, he then joined the musical and political film, ''[[Sarafina! (film)|Sarafina!]]'' in which he played a character by the name of Fire, but nicknamed "Whacko".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105316/fullcredits|title=Sarafina! (1992|website=IMDb}}</ref> He also appeared in films including ''Kein Himmel über Afrika'' (1993) and ''[[Cry, the Beloved Country (1995 film)|Cry, the Beloved Country]]'' (1995).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0583905/|title=Somizi Mhlongo|website=IMDb}}</ref> Mhlongo was featured on the television series ''[[Tarzan: The Epic Adventures]]'' in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tiwane|first=Bonginkosi|date=13 January 2013|title=Celebrating Somizi the idol|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/sowetan/20150206/281500749671575|work=Sowetan|location=Johannesburg|access-date=21 April 2019}}</ref> His biggest judging duty was when he was appointed as the new judge for the eleventh season of ''[[Idols South Africa]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/life/somizi-idols-sa-newest-judge|title=Somizi is Idols SA's newest judge|website=eNCA}}</ref> He was also a lead judge on the former [[SABC 1]] competition show ''Dance Your Butt Off'' alongside actress and dancer [[Khabonina Qubeka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/shows/viewshow.aspx?showid=1376|title=Dance Your Butt Off|website=TVSA}}</ref> In 2016, Mhlongo premiered his reality show ''Living the Dream with Somizi'' which aired on [[Mzansi Magic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mzansimagic.dstv.com/show/living-the-dream-with-somizi|title=Living The Dream With Somizi|website=Mzansi Magic}}</ref> Other TV credits include ''City Ses'la'', ''Ayeye'' and ''10 Over 10''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/actors/viewactor.aspx?actorid=12054|title=Somizi Mhlongo|website=TVSA}}</ref> Mhlongo hosted various award shows notably being the [[South African Music Awards]] where he co-hosted for 3 consecutive years (2016, 2017 and 2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sabc.co.za/sabc/somizi-leads-the-sama24-host-team/|title=Somizi leads the SAMA24 host team|website=SABC}}</ref> On 26 April 2018, Mhlongo was the featured roastee in [[Comedy Central]]'s annual roast special.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/celebrity-news/passed-failed-roast-somizi/|title=Who Passed And Who Failed At The Roast of Somizi|website=People Magazine}}</ref> He co-hosted ''KZN Entertainment Awards'' on 15 December 2020 with Pearl Thusi.<ref name="fakaza">{{Cite web|url=https://fakazanews.com/2020/12/08/somizi-mhlongo-and-pearl-thusi-to-host-kzn-entertainment-awards/|title = Somizi Mhlongo and Pearl Thusi to host KZN Entertainment Awards &#124; Fakaza News|date = 8 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.entertainmentsa.co.za/somizi-and-pearl-thusi-to-co-host-the-kwazulu-natal-entertainment-awards/ |title=Somizi and Pearl Thusi to co-host the Kwazulu Natal Entertainment Awards - Entertainment SA |website=www.entertainmentsa.co.za |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208191735/https://www.entertainmentsa.co.za/somizi-and-pearl-thusi-to-co-host-the-kwazulu-natal-entertainment-awards/ |archive-date=2020-12-08}} </ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://briefly.co.za/amp/90319-pearl-thusi-somizi-mhlongo-motaung-score-a-dope-hosting-gig.html|title=Pearl Thusi and Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung score a dope new hosting gig|date=9 December 2020}}</ref> === Choreography === Mhlongo's debut choreography work was on the musical film ''Sarafina!''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bona.co.za/watch-somizi-shows-off-sarafina-choreography/|title=Watch: Somizi shows off Sarafina! choreography|website=Bona Magazine}}</ref> He choreographed many prominent events including the opening and closing ceremonies for the huge international football association [[FIFA]] for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etv.co.za/news/2013/07/26/somizi-steps-up|title=Somizi Steps Up|website=e.tv}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/you-have-to-watch-somizis-verimark-ad-20161121|title=You have to watch Somizi's Verimark ad|website=Channel24}}</ref> 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 (South African DJ)|DJ Fresh]] and soccer presenter Mpho Letsholonyane.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/MoveMag/Archive/dj-fresh-teams-up-with-somizi-on-the-fresh-breakfast-show-20170728|title=DJ Fresh teams up with Somizi on The Fresh Breakfast Show|website=News24}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/2019/04/01/somizi-grateful-as-he-joins-thebridge-on-metro-fm/|title=Somizi 'Grateful' as he joins #TheBridge on Metro FM|website=SA Breaking News}}</ref> === 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/MyNews24/somizi-mhlongo-is-a-living-legend-20170908|title=Somizi Mhlongo is a living legend|website=News24}}</ref> He then endorsed with the [[Department of Water and Sanitation]] later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/life/entertainment/watch-somizis-hilarious-water-campaign-video|title=WATCH: Somizi's hilarious water campaign video|website=eNCA}}</ref> He also endorsed [[McDonald's]] South Africa in being the face of [[McCafé]] Coach Sessions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/somizi-announced-as-the-face-of-mccafe-couch-sessions-20170313|title=Somizi announced as the face of McCafé Couch Sessions|website=Channel24}}</ref> ==== Writing ==== On 29 June 2017, Mhlongo released his autobiographical book named ''Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.exclusivebooks.co.za/product/9200000000084|title=Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit – The Somizi Mhlongo Story – Signed Pre-order Edition|website=Exclusive Books}}</ref> He co-wrote the book along with journalist and author Lesley Mofokeng. The book shares his life in showbiz, childhood, entertainment business, parents' roles, sexuality and friendship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yomzansi.com/2017/06/25/somizis-new-book-dominoes-unbreakable-spirit-will-release-this-week/|title=Somizi's new book 'Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit' will release this week|website=YoMzansi|date=25 June 2017}}</ref> ==== 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 music|house]]-focused and [[gqom]]-influenced revival song "Ngibonile" featuring DJ and record producer Heavy K.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/you-can-download-somizis-new-single-with-heavy-k-here-20171102|title=You can download Somizi's new single with Heavy K here|website=Channel24}}</ref> In 2021, Mhlongo recorded as a featured artist in [[Vusi Nova]]’s song “Ntandane”, from his [[Gospel]]-influenced album, “Ngumama”. == Personal life == Mhlongo dated actress Palesa Madisakwane while in a relationship with an unnamed man.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysun.co.za/News/Entertainment/palesa-opens-up-about-raising-a-child-with-somizi-20161010|title=Palesa speaks on co-parenting with somizi!|website=Daily Sun}}</ref> This led him to [[Coming out|come out]] as [[bisexual]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/entertainment-celebrities/1645243/when-my-daughter-was-conceived-i-thought-i-was-bisexual-says-somizi/|title=When my daughter was conceived I thought I was bisexual, says Somizi|website=The Citizen|date=8 September 2017}}</ref> Madisakwane and Mhlongo welcomed their first child, Bahumi Madisakwane, on 19 February 1995. Mhlongo later described himself as gay, and the relationship with Madisakwane ended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2017-09-07-somizi-reflects-on-finding-out-he-was-going-to-be-a-father/|title=Somizi reflects on finding out he was going to be a father|website=TimesLIVE}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2018-03-19-somizi-asked--mohale-said-yes-somhale-are-engaged/|title=Somizi asked & Mohale said yes! #Somhale are engaged|website=TimesLIVE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/life/pictures-somizi-and-mohale-tie-knot|title=IN PICTURES: Somizi and Mohale tie the knot|website=eNCA}}</ref> == Filmography == === Film === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1986 | ''Scavengers'' | Jeffrey | |- | 1992 | ''[[Sarafina! (film)|Sarafina!]]'' | Fire |Credited as Somizi "Whacko" Mhlongo |- | 1994 | ''Kien Hiüber Afrika'' | Himself | Cameo appearance |- | 1995 | ''[[Cry, the Beloved Country (1995 film)|Cry, the Beloved Country]]'' | Young Thief | |- | 2006 | ''Black Beulahs'' | Himself | Television film |} === Television === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1993 | ''African Skies'' | Juice | 1 episode |- | 1996 | ''[[Tarzan: The Epic Adventures]]'' | | 1 episode |- | 2004 | ''Zero Tolerance'' | Danielle | |- | 2007 | ''City Ses'la'' | Madam Gigi | Guest |- | 2010–2012 | ''Dance Your Butt Off'' | Himself | Judge; all episodes |- | 2013 and 2016 | ''10 Over 10'' | Himself | Commentator; Season 1 and 4 |- | 2013 | ''Zaziwa'' | Himself | Guest |- | 2014 | ''[[The Comedy Central Roast]]'' of [[Kenny Kunene]] | Himself | Roaster |- | 2014 | ''Reality Check'' | Himself | 1 episode |- | 2015 | ''aYeYe'' | Baps | 1 episode |- | 2015–present | ''[[Idols South Africa]]'' | Himself | Judge |- | 2015 | ''All That BS'' | Himself | 1 episode |- | 2016–2018 | ''[[South African Film and Television Awards]]'' | Himself | Red carpet host; performer in 2018 |- | 2016–present | ''Living the Dream with Somizi'' | Himself | Main role |- | 2016 | ''[[22nd South African Music Awards]]'' | Himself | Co-host |- | 2017 | ''23rd South African Music Awards'' | Himself | Co-host |- | 2017–present | ''[[V Entertainment]]'' | Himself | Co-host |- | 2018 | ''The Comedy Central Roast of Somizi'' | Himself | Roastee |- | 2018 | ''[[24th South African Music Awards]]'' | Himself | Co-host |- | 2018 | ''Tropika Smooth Fan'' | Himself | Contestant |- | 2018 | ''[[Global Citizen Festival]]: Mandela 100'' | rowspan="2"|Himself | Red carpet host |- |2020 |''[[1st KZN Entertainment Awards]]''<ref name="fakaza" /> |Co-host |} == Choreography == *[[Miss South Africa]] *Metro FM awards *Afcon 2013 Opening and Closing Ceremonies *South African Music Award (SAMAs) *Fifa World Cup 2010 Opening and Closing Ceremonies == See also == * [[Theo Baloyi]] * [[Mary Twala]] == References == {{Reflist}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Mhlongo, Somizi}} [[Category:1972 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:South African choreographers]] [[Category:South African gay actors]] [[Category:LGBT entertainers from South Africa]]'