Biography
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo (born December 23, 1972) is a South African actor, television personality, and choreographer. He is well-known for playing Fire in the musical and political film Sarafina!
His acting breakthrough came in 1987 as a teenager after featuring in Scavengers. He has danced in many shows and events including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
In 1995, he was cast as Young Thief in the drama film titled Cry the Beloved Country. Somizi has been featured in many television shows like Idol SA and V Entertainment.
Mhlongo co-hosted the South African Music Awards for three consecutive days, from 2016 to 2018. He is married to his long-time gay partner Mohale Motaung.
Somizi Mhlongo | |
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| Background Information | |
| Full Name: | Somizi Buyani Mhlongo-Motaung |
| Stage Name: | Somgaga |
| Born: | 23 December 1972 (age 49 years) |
| Place of Birth: | Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Parents: | Mary Twala, Ndaba Mhlongo |
| Spouse: | Mohale Motaung (m. 2019; sep. 2021) |
| Baby Mama: | Palesa Madisakwane |
| Occupation: | Actor, media personality, choreographer, television presenter, singer |
| Years Active: | 1978-date |
| Net Worth: | US$1 million |
Early life
Somizi Mhlongo was born on December 23, 1972, in Soweto, a large township in Johannesburg in South Africa. His parents Mary Twala and Ndaba Mhlongo are popular in the entertainment circle.
Having celebrity parents influenced and exposed him to the entertainment industry as a young child. Mary is a veteran South African actress while his father Ndaba is an actor and comedian. He had a brother Archie Mhlongo.
Somizi Motaung thrived easily in the movie industry and had his debut role in the film Scavengers in 1987. In 1985, he lost his brother who died of a fatal stab wound.
Career
Somizi Mhlongo entered the movie industry as a teenager of 13 years. In 1987, he was featured in the film Scavengers and joined the political film titled Sarafina! where he played Fire. He also featured in many other films like Cry, the Beloved Country as Young Thief.
In 1996, he appeared in the popular television series Tarzan: The Epic Adventures. He was one of the judges on season eleven of Idols South Africa.
Somizi and Khabonina Qubeja were the lead Judges on the former SABC1 competition show Dance Your Butt Off. In 2016, Mhlongo started his reality show Living the Dream with Somizi on Mzansi Magic.
Mhlongo has featured in many award shows including the South African Music Awards for 3 years. On December 15, 2020, he and Pearl Thusi hosted the KZN Entertainment Awards.
Somizi choreographed many award shows and events and danced for the gospel choir Joyous Celebration. His workout DVD Grind! With Somizi was released in 2017.
Mhlongo, Mpho Letsholonyane, and DJ Fresh hosted the Metro FM breakfast show The Fresh Breakfast Show. In 2017, Somizi was named the ambassador for DStv.
Somizi co-wrote and published the autobiographical book named Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit along with Lesley Mofokeng on June 29, 2017. He featured the renowned record producer Heavy K in his song Ngibonile.
Personal Life
Somizi Mhlongo has a child with his baby mama Palesa Madisakwane. While dating the actress, he was in a relationship with an unnamed man.
On February 19, 1995, Madisakwane and Mhlongo had their first child Bahumi Madisakwane. The duo ended their love affair after he came out openly as gay.
In 2018, Mhlongo confirmed his relationship with the entrepreneur Mohale Tebogo Motaung. While on a romantic vacation in Paris, France, he proposed to his lover.Â
On September 28, 2019, the duo got married in a traditional wedding and had a white wedding on January 30, 2020.
Car
Somizi Mhlongo surprised his fans after showing off one of his cars. He posted pictures standing next to the white Audi R8, estimated to cost about R2.8 million. He is best known for living a life of designer clothes and luxurious vehicles.
Social Media
Somizi Mhlongo is active on various social media platforms. In April 2021, it was reported to have unfollowed his husband Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo.
- Instagram: @somizi
- Twitter: @somizi
- Facebook: @Somizi Mhlongo Motaung
- TikTok: @somg63
Net Worth
The media personality Somizi Motaung has an estimated net worth of US$ 1 million.
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