The fabulous life of Somizi
The larger-than-life TV personality is letting us in on his climb to the top, one rung at a time.
Living The Dream With Somizi Season 1 Wednesdays Mzansi Magic (*161) 20:00
Right from the word go, Somizi Mhlongo knew exactly what he wanted to be in life: a famous entertainer. And boy, has he delivered! After dropping out of school in grade 9, the 43-year-old went on to pursue a career in dance and he is one of the country’s top choreographers. Now seen in his own reality show Living The Dream With Somizi (2016- current), he also dabbled in acting, having starred in 1992 movie Sarafina! alongside Hollywood actress Whoopi Goldberg, as well as the stage production of the same name when he was 13. He’s no slouch either when it comes to music, something many a critic doubted when he was appointed as judge #4 on the Idols SA (2002- cur- rent) panel in 2015. Besides taking over the entertainment industry, looking ripped thanks to his daily gym sessions and reigning over social media, Somizi is also a father to his 21-year-old daughter Bahumi with actress Palesa Madisakwane – and we’re seeing plenty of Bahumi, as she features in her dad’s show a lot.
What is “living the dream” for you? I’m living my dream. My life right now is everything that I could ever ask for. Was this all part of the plan growing up? Yes. I never wanted to do anything else and I’ve never deviated from the entertainment industry. Being this successful and famous has been and continues to be part of my prayers. People lie and say they didn’t plan to be famous, but it’s not something that just happens like that. I know. Describe your typical day. I wake up and pray before making tea or coffee, then I shower and head to the gym. My manager then gives me my diary and I usually have about one to four meetings a day. Then I rehearse for whatever show I’m doing. Depending on what I’m working on, my day can run from 07:00 to 01:00, or 04:00 to 21:00. You’re multi-talented – do you have a favourite? When I’m on stage I’m in my element. Whether I’m singing, dancing or doing theatre. Where there’s a live audience, I’m happy. What five things can’t you live without? My phone, making dinner when I can – as long as it’s before 22:00, gym, gospel music in the car or on my headphones and prayer. I pray throughout the day. And what has being a dad taught you? To be more patient with myself and to persevere. There are times I just want to throw in the towel, but when I think about the responsibility I have towards my daughter, I don’t. Does it affect the way you handle yourself in the spotlight? No. In our relationship, we have an understanding and what I do isn’t part of that. My daughter knows never to compromise who she is for any reason because I live my life the same. People always have something to say about my behaviour, then they link it to me being a dad, like, “How can you do that when you’re a dad?” – but you have to live your truth. If you could add one more judge to the Idols panel, who would it be? It’s a toss up between Judith Sephuma and Buhle from [acapella group] The Soil. Judith, for her patient nature and inspirational constructive criticism. Buhle, because I believe that she’s the female version of me [Laughs]. She has an ear for good music, an eye for greatness and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. So what advice do you have for people who also want to “live the dream”? It takes a lot of hard work and professionalism, passion, dedication, compromise and sobriety – no drugs. You also need talent to get you further.