Somizi Buyani Mhlongo, a beloved figure in South African entertainment, was born on December 23, 1972. This makes him 51 years old in 2024. Born in Soweto, the largest township in Johannesburg, Somizi has become a household name in South Africa through his various talents and larger-than-life personality.
Early Life and Family
Somizi was born into a family of entertainers. His parents, Mary Twala and Ndaba Mhlongo, were both well-known in the South African acting world. This early exposure to showbiz shaped Somizi’s future career. Sadly, he faced tragedy early in life when his brother Archie was fatally stabbed in 1985.
Rise to Fame
Somizi’s journey in entertainment started young. At just 13, he appeared in the film “Scavengers” in 1987. However, his big break came in 1992 with the movie “Sarafina!” where he played a character named Fire, nicknamed “Whacko”. This role put him on the map in South African cinema.
Diverse Career
What makes Somizi stand out is his versatility in the entertainment industry:
- Acting: Beyond “Sarafina!”, Somizi appeared in other films like “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995) and TV shows such as “Tarzan: The Epic Adventures”.
- Choreography: Somizi’s dance skills led him to choreograph major events, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
- TV Personality: He became a judge on “Idols South Africa” in 2015, bringing his vibrant personality to the show.
- Reality TV Star: In 2016, Somizi launched his own reality show, “Living the Dream with Somizi”, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life.
- Radio Host: He co-hosted shows on Metro FM, a popular South African radio station.
- Author: In 2017, Somizi released his autobiography, “Dominoes, Unbreakable Spirit”, sharing his life story with fans.
Personal Life
Somizi has been open about his journey with his sexuality. He initially came out as bisexual and later identified as gay. He has a daughter, Bahumi Madisakwane, born in 1995. In 2020, Somizi married Mohale Tebogo Motaung in a high-profile wedding, though they later separated in 2021.
Impact on South African Culture
At 50, Somizi has become more than just an entertainer. He’s a cultural icon in South Africa. His openness about his sexuality has made him a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. His success across various entertainment fields shows his adaptability and talent.
Somizi’s journey reflects the changes in South African society since the end of apartheid. He’s been part of important cultural moments, from appearing in the politically charged “Sarafina!” to judging on modern TV shows like “Idols South Africa”.
Continuing Legacy
Even as he enters his fifties, Somizi shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to be a prominent figure on South African television, appearing as a judge on shows like “The Masked Singer SA” in 2023. His energy and charisma continue to win him fans across generations.
Somizi Mhlongo’s life story is one of talent, resilience, and reinvention. From a child actor to a multi-faceted entertainment personality, he has remained relevant in the fast-changing world of South African showbiz for over three decades. As he celebrates his 50th year, Somizi stands as a testament to the vibrant and diverse entertainment industry in South Africa.