Sowetan

New face of ladies make-up

Celeb the face of women make-up

- By Patience Bambalele ■

Somizi Mhlongo’s legendary face has bagged him a lucrative make-up deal.

Mhlongo has become the first African man to be a brand ambassador for women’s make-up, Black Opal announced yesterday.

Head of marketing and PR at Black Opal, Busi Xaba, confirmed their partnershi­p with Mhlongo. She said they chose Mhlongo because they wanted to demonstrat­e that make-up can be worn by anyone, whether you were a guy or girl, “as long as you have fire”.

“We chose Somizi because he is confident and lively. He is comfortabl­e with himself and also comfortabl­e with wearing make-up,” Xaba said.

The television and radio personalit­y said the company approached him because they saw something special in him. He said he was chosen because he wore make-up daily.

“I guess they knew exactly what they wanted because I always have my own make-up artist wherever I go.

Many people have been commenting on social network about my make-up, including women.

“I am excited because this move will take both brands to another level. I will introduce them to my fans who did not know the cosmetic company and they will do the same for me. All in all, I am excited and cannot wait to see the posters and banners.”

Mhlongo told Sowetan his latest achievemen­t was worth every pain he has suffered in life, the tears he shed, and the poverty he experience­d.

“I have survived when I thought I was going to die. This achievemen­t just proves that God always had a plan about my life.

“This proves that I was born to stand out in a crowd. I always do extraordin­ary things. Take my dance DVD that went double platinum, my book did wonders, and look at the energy that I brought to Idols SA,” Mhlongo said.

He said being the face of Black Opal would afford him an opportunit­y to advance his social responsibi­lity programmes.

For the past few years, Mhlongo has been buying matric dance dresses for girls from disadvanta­ged background­s.

“Being a face of a cosmetics company will give me a chance to bring a smile to their faces.”

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgende­r and intersex (LGBTI) activist and co-founder of the gay-friendly Feathers Awards, Thami Kotlolo, said: “The LGBTI is excited about Mhlongo’s achievemen­t.

“It is groundbrea­king, if you take into considerat­ion that cosmetics are huge within the LGBTI community.

“This is a great platform, thinking that in South Africa we are still a bit homophobic.”

Student Shoki Ledwaba said: “I think I know more about make-up than him. He needs to focus on pushing the brand; he is a public figure.”

702 radio presenter Nonn Botha said: “I am happy for him. I don’t have a problem that he is a face of a women’s cosmetics company. I also have a male make-up artist. Since we have men who are make-up artists, it is high time we have [male] brand ambassador­s.”

It looks like this is Mhlongo’s week. He was also announced as the host of the SA Music Awards.

He will co-host the event with radio presenter Dineo Ranaka and comedian Mpho “Pops” Modikoane.

The 24th Samas takes place at Sun City Convention Centre in North West on June 2.

Gushed Mhlongo: “I am excited to host the Samas for the third time. I thought last year I enjoyed and it was the last time. But it just shows that if you are good at what you do, people will also ask for more.

“I am looking forward to the event. My outfits are ready, and I’m going to be dressed by both young and establishe­d designers. I will wear six to eight outfits on the day.”

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 ?? / SUPPLIED ?? Somizi Mhlongo is having the time of his life after he was named the first man in Africa to be an ambassador for women’s make-up Black Opal.
/ SUPPLIED Somizi Mhlongo is having the time of his life after he was named the first man in Africa to be an ambassador for women’s make-up Black Opal.

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