Somizi Mhlongo bares it all in Living the Dream With Somizi on Showmax

Somizi Mhlongo not only gives viewers front-row seats to his fabulous life while he travels the country and hosts fancy parties with his celebrity friends in his reality show Living the Dream With Somizi (LTDWS), the multi-talented media personality also documents his trials and tribulations.

Whether it’s discussing his recent divorce that made headlines or his career struggles, Somizi (age: 49) bares it all: the good, bad and the ugly. “In previous seasons of LTDWS, I was on a high and at the peak of my career. In Season 5, I face many hardships and I’m taking viewers along with me as I overcome the many adversities thrown at me,” explains Somizi.

The 49-year-old choreographer shares a daughter, Bahumi (26), with actress Palesa Madisakwane, who both appear in LTDWS. Throughout the reality show, Somizi strengthens his bond with both Bahumi and Palesa.

As Somizi points out in the premiere episode of Season 5, he is the only member of his immediate family who’s left, as his brother Archie was fatally stabbed in 1985, and his other sibling, oldest sister Joyce, passed away in 2021.

“I’ve realised the value of life – and it’s never too late to realise the meaning of life, which is to spend time with loved ones. It’s not about sending them money but creating memories with them,” explains Somizi.

That isn’t all you need to know about Somizi, though. Read below to find out more about one of the most famous celebrities in South Africa.

Instagram – @somizi
Twitter – @somizi
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Somizi Mhlongo photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Somizi Somgaga?

Somizi is no stranger to the spotlight. Born Somizi Buyani Mhlongo on 23 December 1972, the Soweto native was born into showbiz. His parents are late actress Mary Twala and comedian Ndaba Mhlongo, who sparked Somizi’s interest in the arts. At 14, Somizi was cast in theatre production Sarafina!, where he performed across the world. His breakthrough role was as Fire in 1992, when Sarafina! was adapted into a film. He acted alongside Leleti Khumalo, Miriam Makeba and Whoopi Goldberg.

Somizi is usually private about his love life but in 2017 he started dating entrepreneur Mohale Motaung and they got engaged a year later in Paris. The couple tied the knot in 2020 and they chronicled their big day in their wedding special Somizi & Mohale: The Union, streaming on Showmax. After a year of marriage, Somizi and Mohale filed for divorce, which is still ongoing.

“There were so many red flags,” says Somizi regarding his failed marriage. “I could be launching an endorsement and there would be drama, unnecessarily. Looking back [on the marriage], I realise that [the drama] was all a part of a tactic.”

What does Somizi Mhlongo do for a living?

From acting in films and theatre productions, to working behind the scenes as a choreographer, Somizi does it all. He has choreographed events such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Miss SA pageant, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Africa Cup Of Nations in 2013. Furthermore, Somizi hosted several award shows such as the South African Music Awards, which he co-hosted from 2016-2018.

As if his CV wasn’t already long enough to fill the pages of a book, Somizi released a dance workout video called Grind! With Somizi, and in 2017, he published his autobiography titled Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit in the same year. He later recorded a song called Ntandane with his musician friend Vusi Nova in 2021.

Currently, Somizi is growing his empire, and he is set on launching a children’s clothing line later this year. “It’s been over a year working on this. I have faith that mamas and papas are going to love this,” says Somizi about his upcoming fashion brand.

When did Somizi join Idols?

Somizi was announced as a judge in Season 11 of talent reality competition Idols SA in 2015, where he is popularly known for his over-the-top outfits and his signature phrase, “wooo shame”. Following assault allegations by Mohale in 2021, Somizi was suspended from Idols SA.

Is Somizi back on Idols?

Yes. Somizi is set to return to the judging panel in Season 18 of Idols SA, which will air later this year. Joining him in the hot seat are newly appointed judges and musicians Thembi Seete and JR Bogopa.