Somizi Mhlongo

Somizi Mhlongo
Name	Somizi Mhlongo
Birth date	1980-12-23
Birth place	Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Other names	Somizi, Somizi Mhlongo Motaung
Occupation	Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Television Personality, Radio Presenter
Years active	1990s–present
Spouse	Mohale Motaung (m. 2019; separated 2021)
Parents	Lt. Gen. Mhlongo?

Somizi Mhlongo is a South African dancer, choreographer, actor, television personality, and radio presenter noted for his influence on South African dance and television culture. He rose to prominence through a combination of stage performances, film roles, and high-profile appearances on reality and talent shows, earning recognition across Africa and among international entertainment circles. His career spans choreography for major artists, acting in film and theatre productions, and hosting radio and television programs.

Early life and education

Born in Soweto, Johannesburg, in South Africa, he is the son of actor and choreographer Dumisani Mhlongo and actress Mary Twala, which placed him within a family linked to South African theatre and Zulu cultural traditions. He trained in dance and performance from a young age, drawing inspiration from figures in South African arts such as Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, and international performers like Michael Jackson and Bob Fosse. His formative years included participation in local theatre productions and community arts initiatives in Gauteng, and he later attended workshops and institutions associated with contemporary dance and choreography in South Africa.

Career

His professional career developed across multiple disciplines: choreography for recording artists, stage direction for theatre productions, and on-screen performance in film and television. He gained sector recognition working with musicians and entertainers including Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and collaborating with television producers associated with networks such as SABC, e.tv, and M-Net. His choreography credits extend to live concerts, music videos, and national events, where he fused traditional South African dance elements with contemporary styles. Over time he positioned himself as a cultural brand, associated with commercial endorsements and appearances at events like the National Arts Festival and major award ceremonies such as the South African Music Awards.

Television and radio

On television he became widely visible through roles on talent and reality programmes including judging and hosting stints on shows produced by M-Net, e.tv, and SABC1. He served as a judge on prominent talent platforms, working alongside entertainment figures like Pabi Cooper, Unathi Nkayi, and Bonang Matheba, and appeared in guest roles on talk shows and variety programmes. His radio career included presenting on metropolitan stations under media groups such as Metro FM, Radio 702, and Gagasi FM, where he engaged with listeners on entertainment, lifestyle, and popular culture topics. He also participated in televised charity specials and prime-time broadcasts associated with broadcasters like Multichoice and event producers linked to the Miss South Africa pageant.

Film and theatre

He has acting and choreography credits in South African film and theatre, performing in productions staged in cultural hubs such as Market Theatre, The Baxter Theatre Centre, and touring productions across the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. His film appearances include roles in local cinema productions and collaborations with directors connected to the South African film industry, with casts featuring actors like Lance Reddick and ensemble performers from the national theatre scene. On stage he has worked with theatre directors affiliated with institutions like the South African State Theatre and creative companies that produce contemporary and traditional dance-theatre works, contributing choreography to musicals and dramatic pieces showcased at festivals including the National Arts Festival.

Personal life

His personal life, including a high-profile marriage ceremony in Pretoria to television personality Mohale Motaung and subsequent separation, attracted attention across South African media and international entertainment press. He maintains close ties to family members active in the arts, including relatives who are actors and musicians. He has used his platform to comment on issues affecting the arts community and has been an advocate for performance arts visibility in national cultural conversations, participating in events sponsored by institutions such as the National Film and Video Foundation and arts advocacy groups.

Controversies and legal matters

His public profile has included controversies and legal matters that were widely reported in outlets covering South African celebrity culture, with disputes involving business, contractual issues, and personal allegations that prompted media coverage and legal responses. These episodes drew commentary from media regulators, entertainment lawyers, and industry figures, and intersected with discussions in outlets linked to press organisations such as City Press, Sunday Times (South Africa), and television current-affairs programmes. Legal matters attracted statements from representatives connected to talent management firms, entertainment law practitioners, and public relations teams, and were subject to coverage by broadcasters including SABC and private networks.

Category:South African choreographers Category:South African television personalities Category:South African actors