Living like a king with Somizi Mhlongo
A day in the life of the choreographer and TV personality is never dull or boring. Over-the-top is his middle name. Somgaga either has waist-length braids in one of the primary colours to go with his eccentric nails and his exaggerated outfits on his reality show Living The Dream With Somizi (2016-current, stream Seasons 1-4 on Showmax), or he’s wearing his hair in a blonde mohawk to complement his designer red-bottom Christian Louboutin stilettos.
“I live in the moment and I try to live life to the full,” says Somizi. His schedule is so full that it’s bursting at the seams, thanks to his choreography work, judging reality TV singing competition Idols SA (2002-current), hosting award events like The Feather Awards and raising his 25-year-old daughter Bahumi.
“You get to see exactly who I am. I’m outgoing, pacy and loud. But more than anything, you’ll get to see me have fun with my loved ones,” reveals the 46-year-old Somizi.
Living large
The first two seasons get personal as the socialite invites viewers into his stylish and modern home – and they get to watch his every move. “I must admit, I’m not a morning person,” says Somizi while struggling to get out of bed in the pilot episode.
When he eventually manages to toss the covers aside, he gets ready for gym where he not-so-innocently flirts with his personal trainer. Somizi squeezes in time for a nail appointment with Bahumi too.
“I’m strict with my daughter, we’re very close but I am still her father. I also keep her in check – you see that a lot in my show,” explains Somizi with an authoritative voice.
After offering fatherly advice, he drives off to the other side of town for a meeting with his business partner and close pal TT Mbha. “I hardly have time to myself,” says the choreographer. “My day starts at 05:00 and I go to sleep at midnight. But I’m not complaining, I love my life!” Somizi admits that time management is everything to him.
Early beginnings
The spotlight isn’t new to Somizi. With three decades in the entertainment industry to his name, he has inside know-how on maintaining a successful career in showbiz. “Stay out of trouble and be humble. And let your work speak for itself,” he says.
The former child star’s big break was on international musical movie Sarafina! (1992). “This is the life that I know. I am surrounded by popular people, all my life,” he says alluding to his actor parents Mary Twala and Ndaba Mhlongo. “I was born in this. The first thing that I can remember is lights, cameras, costumes, choreography and music. Everything showbusiness.”
Settling down
Living The Dream goes beyond his social life – Somizi gives viewers a glimpse into his love life too. In the third and fourth seasons, Somizi introduces his boyfriend and now-fiancé Mohale Motaung. Other than going on international shopping sprees, date nights and exploring their relationship, they’re planning on tying the knot.
Although their schedules do get in the way of organising their dream wedding, Somizi reveals that “I underestimated the planning that goes behind preparing a wedding. The speculation is that there are fifteen weddings but there are actually two: a traditional and a white wedding. I’m excited about the day. I want the whole nine yards”.