The Year of Somgaga

Idols SA judge and radio presenter Somizi Mhlongo is an all-rounder these days. He tells us how his new endeavours will be bigger and better than ever.

- Molife Kumon

WITH a career spann­ in g over three decades, he is no stranger to fame. But 2016 has to be his biggest year yet.

DRUM spoke to a number of people before meeting the man himself, and they all agree that Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo is the main reason they watch the show. His cutthroat comments, funny jokes and hairstyles have made the reality contest a must­watch every Sunday. They all tune in for another dose of Somgaga, as he’s affectionately known.

IT’S HARD to believe, but only a few years ago Somizi was pretty much written off by the media.

The rumour mill was rife with reports that he was sick, as he had lost a lot of weight, and was also beset by financial difficulties.

But how the tide has turned: Somizi is now one of the most sought­after enter­tainers in Mzansi.

“I have never given up on my dreams, even at a time when some said I was down and out,” Somizi tells us. “I never agreed; I kept believing.

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

Certainly, the year started with a bang with the announcement that he would be hosting his own reality show, Living the Dream with Somizi, on DStv’s Mzansi Magic. The show was soon trending on social media and received high ratings.