THE RISE AND RISE OF SOMIZI

He’s never too shy to talk about the times he’s been down and out. But he’s always managed to come back bigger and better. And this time his star just keeps rising.

The 44-year-old Somgaga, as he’s known, is everywhere – just switch on your TV, radio or phone. There isn’t a channel or social media platform that he’s not trending on every week.

Somizi is co-host of the Fresh Breakfast show on Metro FM with DJ Fresh, an Idols SA judge on M-Net and a host of DStv channel Vuzu Amp’s popular entertainment show V Entertainment.

There seem to be no limits to his talents – last month he dropped a new single titled Ngibonile, featuring Heavy K.

A highlight this year was the release of his book Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit, with entertainment journalist Lesley Mofokeng.

Somizi has had a fortunate few years with the success of his reality TV show on Mzansi Magic, Living the Dream with Somizi, and the release of his workout DVD, Grind with Somizi. He’s also the face of DStv Compact and McCafé Couch Sessions from McDonald’s.

“I said at the beginning of the year that I own 2016 and 2017, and so far God has exceeded my expectations,” Somizi said in an interview last year.

His success is hard-won. His day starts at 3am and he often doesn’t get home before 10.30pm.

He says he still gets goosebumps before a gig or performance. “The day I don’t get nervous is the day I’ll be worried. It will mean I’m either over it, I’m too big-headed or I’m just not focused enough. I’m a perfectionist.”