Somizi Mhlongo Biography -Profile, Net Worth, Career & Age

About

Somizi Mhlongo is a South African actor, media personality and choreographer who shot to fame in 1992 after he starred in Sarafina! – a musical and political film. Since then, he’s taken over SA television and it’s not hard to see why he is SA’s best choreographer. His onscreen presence never gets outdated because he always brings something new to the table.

Personal Life

Somizi whose full name is Somizi Buyani Mhlongo was born on 23 December 1972 in Soweto, the largest township in Johannesburg.

Somizi was fortunate enough to have not just one parent in the entertainment industry but two.

Somizi Mhlongo’s mother was the late South African veteran actress, Mary Twala and his father Ndaba Mhlongo, was an actor and comedian Ndaba Mhlongo. Inspired by his parents, he entered the entertainment industry at a young age.

Somizi Mhlongo had one sibling, a brother named Archie, who died in 1985 due to a fatal stabbing incident.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Schooling

As far as Somizi Mhlongo’s education is concerned, he proudly declares that he neither has a matric certificate nor a degree.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Career

Somizi Mhlongo was fascinated with the entertainment industry from a very young age.

His acting career which started at 13 and now spans over three decades kicked off when he appeared in the film Scavengers in 1987.

He has since progressed and blossomed into much more. Let’s dig into this part of Somizi Mhlongo’s biography.

Film and Television 

Somizi Mhlongo’s acting career began when he appeared in the film Scavengers in 1987. In 1992, he acted in the musical and political film Sarafina! in which he played the character of Fire.

Somizi then appeared in several films, including Kein Himmel über Afrika in 1993 and Cry and the Beloved Country in 1995.

Somizi Mhlongo was also featured in the television series Tarzan: The Epic Adventures in 1996.

After numerous appearances, he was appointed as the new judge for the 11th season of Idols South Africa and then roped in to be the lead judge on the show Dance Your Butt Off alongside actress and dancer Khabonina Qubeka.

In 2016, Mhlongo hosted his own reality show Living the Dream with Somizi, which is now in its fifth season. The show trails the lifestyle of Somizi.

Somizi Mhlongo has also hosted various award shows, notably the South African Music Awards, which he co-hosted for three consecutive years from 2016.

In April 2018, Somizi Mhlongo was the featured ‘roastee’ on Comedy Central’s annual roast special.

In December 2020, he co-hosted KZN Entertainment Awards alongside Pearl Thusi.

Choreographer

After his debut success with Sarafina, he choreographed many prominent events, such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup in 2010 when his home country South Africa hosted the event.

Somizi Mhlongo also choreographed Miss South Africa, Metro FM Music Awards, South African Music Awards and the Channel O Music Video Awards.

He was a dancer and lead choreographer for the gospel choir Joyous Celebration.

In 2017, Somizi Mhlongo released the dance workout DVD Grind! With Somizi. The workout choreography showcased many fundamentals of several South African dance forms.

Radio Host

In April 2017, Somizi Mhlongo was one of the co-hosts of the Metro FM breakfast show, The Fresh Breakfast Show, alongside DJ Fresh and soccer presenter Mpho Letsholonyane. From here, Somizi was asked to co-host #TheBridge.

Author

In 2017, Somizi Mhlongo released his autobiographical book named Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit.

Co-written with journalist and author Lesley Mofokeng, the autobiography gives us an insight into Somizi’s life in showbiz, childhood, parents’ roles, entertainment business, sexuality and friendships.

Musical Aspirations

In 2017, Somizi Mhlongo released his house-focused and gqom-influenced revival song “Ngibonile” featuring DJ and record producer Heavy K.

Somizi Mhlongo released two albums which went on to win the Metro FM Award and the Channel O Music Video Award.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Business

In 2021, Somizi Mhlongo added to his already rich biography with the launch of his sneaker line in collaboration with Bathu.

His sneakers come in four different precious stones range; diamond, silver, ruby and gold.

Somizi is known for his fashion sense and said that he loves the range as it fits in with any occasion.

One Somizi sneaker will cost you R1800 for an adult size and R800 for a kid’s size.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Relationships

Who is Somizi Mhlongo’s Husband?

This is one of the most interesting parts of Somizi Mhlongo’s biography. After keeping much of his love life away from the public, he finally opened it up to the world. How did it go for him? Find out below.

In 2017, rumour had it that Somizi was dating South African model and entrepreneur Mohale Tebogo Motaung.

The couple confirmed these reports in 2018. Somizi proposed to Motaung while on vacation in Paris.

Somizi Mhlongo’s wedding was one of the most anticipated events of 2019. The couple got married at a traditional wedding on 28 September 2019.

Somizi and Mohale’s Wedding | Source: TimesLiveThey had a white wedding on 30 January 2020.

His ex-girlfriend Palesa offered to walk Somizi Mhlongo down the aisle on his wedding day.

What Happened To Somizi Mhlongo?

Somizi was married to his now ex-husband Mohale Tebogo Motaung. The two tied the knot in 2019 in a highly publicised affair that was aired on Showmax and attended by A-list celebrities.

Everyone was high on the Somizi-Mohale or Somhlae love train that they failed to notice its impending crash. And crash it did.

After months of serving Mzansi with images of their lovely marriage, rumours of a breakup began to swirl around.

Somizi put rumours to rest with the confirmation of their split after an explosive video of Mohale leaked to the press. In the video, Mohale accused Somizi of abuse as well as controlling behaviour.

Mohale detailed how his husband threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife and forced him off the road as he flee. Somizi denied all the accusations.

As the allegations between the two went on, Mohale filed for a divorce and although they married under community property, which means their wealth ought to be shared 50-50 during a divorce, Mohale only wanted nothing but his wrecked car back.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Family

Does Somizi Have A Sister?

The surprising thing about Somizi Mhlongo’s biography is that he had a sister. No one knew until his mother’s funeral.

When Somizi Mhlongo’s mother, Mary Twala, passed away, the obituary read that two children survived her.

Besides Somizi, she had a daughter named Joyce Twala. Somizi Mhlongo’s sister, Joyce Twala, was not present at the funeral. She could not be spotted even in the mini video that was recorded during the funeral.

Who is Somizi Mhlongo’s Sister?

When Somizi Mhlongo’s mother passed away on 4 July 2020, the rest of the world found out about the existence of Somizi Mhlongo’s sister, Joyce Twala. As Mary’s grandchild read out the obituary, it read:

“Mary is survived by her three sisters Sti, Zanele & Gabsile, two children Joyce Twala & Somizi Mhlongo, two grandchildren Phumzile & Bahumi and three grandchildren Lwanz, Lenhle and Lesedi.”

Fans were surprised to learn about Somizi’s sister. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found, not even in the mini video played during the funeral. She was also not present at the funeral, either.

When Was Somizi Mhlongo’s Child Born?

Back in the day, Somizi Mhlongo dated actress Palesa Madisakwane. They welcomed their child, Bahumi Madisakwane, in February 1995.

Later, Somizi Mhlongo declared that he is gay and parted ways with Palesa. Somizi Mhlongo’s daughter is an up-and-coming actress.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Controversy

Of course, Somizi Mhlongo’s biography will carry some of his most dramatic moments. He is one of Mzansi’s celebs who thrive on it so why not share some with you?

He is Back!

Somizi Mhlongo returns as the judge in Idols SA after he left the show in 2021 after his ex-husband Mohale Motaung levelled abuse allegations against him.

Ratings for the show dropped after his departure and M-Net’s decision to have him back is partly informed by that and hope Somizi’s return will boost the numbers.

Asked about the controversy will affect his role in Idols SA, Somizi maintained that he keeps his personal life and work separately.

Abuse Allegations

Somizi Mhlongo denied allegations made by his ex-husband that he was abusive during their marriage. Mohale alleged that he almost killed him with a kitchen knife and denied him the opportunity to be financially independent.

These explosive accusations came out in a leaked video. Whilst Somizi rubbished the claims, he largely remained silent over the matter.

Upon his return as Idols SA judge, Somizi said that the allegations bruised his career and personal life.

Are TT and Somizi still friends?

The two were so close that Somizi Mhlongo became the godfather to TT Mbha’s children. But now, the former best friends are thought not to be on speaking terms.

So, are they still friends? Well, when Somizi Mhlongo’s mother, actress Mary Twala passed away, TT Mbha was nowhere to be seen at her funeral.

Apparently, their beef started when Somizi Mhlongo did not get a mention among the people TT thanked for their support during his Covid journey.

Recommended: https://Somizi Mhlongo Biography -Profile, Net Worth, Career & Age

Somizi Mhlongo’s Cars 

Somizi’s love for fast and luxury cars is well known. The vast collection of Somizi Mlongo cars includes BMW i8, Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes Benz G350d, Mercedes AMG-E63, Rolls Royce and a BMW Z4.

Somizi Mhlongo’s House

In 2019, Somizi purchased a property that cost him R6 million. The luxurious mansion is located at Zimbali Coastal resort and Estate in Kwazulu-Natal. Somizi is known to have a total of five houses.

Somizi Mhlongo’s Net Worth

Somizi Mhlongo’s net worth is about $5 million. His net worth in Rand was R78 million. From his endorsements and businesses alone, Somizi Mhlongo makes around R710 000 per month.

Awards & Recognition

Two of Somizi Mhlongo’s albums won the Metro FM Award and a Channel O Music Video Award.

Social Media

Somizi’s Instagram: @Somizi

Somizi’s Twitter: @Somizi

Q&A

Who is Somizi mhlongo?

Somizi Mhlongo is a South African actor, media personality and choreographer who shot to fame in 1992 after he starred in Sarafina! – a musical and political film.

How old is Somizi Mhlongo?

Born on 23 December 1972, Somizi Mhlongo’s age is 50.

What does Somizi do for a living?

Somizi Mhlongo is a very successful actor, media personality and choreographer. He has hosted some of the most high-profile shows like Idols SA, Dance Your Butt Off and his reality tv show Living The Dream With Somizi.

How much does Somizi earn per month?

As of 2020, Somizi Mhlongo’s net worth in Rand was R77 million. According to estimates, he makes around R710 000 per month from endorsements and businesses.

Is Somizi Mhlongo a Millionaire?

Yes, Somizi Mhlongo is a millionaire. Somizi Mhlongo has a net worth of $5 million which he makes from his career as a media personality, choreographer, actor, and endorsement deals.