adminCelebrities fade over time, but for the past three decades, South African Somizi Mhlongo — has kept his star shining.
The actor, dancer, TV presenter and choreographer was this week announced as the fourth judge to join the 11th season of South Africa’s biggest television talent competition, Idols, joining the show’s veterans Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Gareth Cliff.
Dubbed Judge Masipa by his family after they learnt of his new role on Idols SA, Mhlongo has earned his stripes in the industry. Adding to his varied and loud career — he says he’s a “tried and tested” performer —being an Idols judge is one step further.
Mhlongo, a breath of fresh air on the Idols SA judging panel had to keep his new title secret from his family for months, but says the wait was all worth it. He couldn’t share the good news at Christmas when everyone else was sharing theirs.
“People were like, ‘I’m pregnant, I’m getting married’ and I couldn’t put up my hand and say ‘Idols’. I kept it from my daughter, my mother and my boyfriend.”
He recalls his daughter nagging him to go to the J&B Met with her last week, but he couldn’t reveal why they couldn’t go.
“I told her that she’d understand why after Saturday evening. My mother found out the night before.”
The self-proclaimed “King of Bling” began his career on stage as a teenager. His first taste of fame came at the age of 13 when he was in the stage production of Sarafina, a South African musical by Mbongeni Ngema depicting pupils involved in the Soweto riots and opposing apartheid.
The American film version starred Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo.
On Wednesday, it was the flamboyant star’s first day on duty as the new judge and the contestants were keen to perform for him. He says: “Even though people are excited to watch the show because of me, their expectations have put me under pressure.”
Mhlongo has worked with many high-profile, award-winning international musicians like R Kelly and Shakira (at the 2010 Fifa World Cup opening ceremony), and South Africa’s Grammy Award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He still gets stage fright.
“It should be used as a tool to improve performance,” he says.
“I expect the singers auditioning for Idols to sing like there’s no tomorrow. Give it to me like your life depends on it,” he tells them.
Mzwakhe, Emmanuel and Abel were the first three contestants to be given the boot by the new judge. The young hopefuls thought their dance moves would impress Mhlongo, but he told them the show was about singing, even though dancing adds to a performance.
One of the contestants, Amy Elle, was the first to get a golden ticket from the new judge. She obviously impressed him with her ability to cartwheel holding a glass of champagne. Elle said it is her fourth audition for Idols and Mhlongo added some fun and excitement to the judging panel.
When a contestant impressed Abrahams with his deep, rich voice and was sent to the next level, Somgaga, as many of his fans refer to Mhlongo, leapt on stage and jumped up and down in his white blazer and cream pants to show the guy the right way to show his excitement. Somizi proved to have punchlines that left many in stiches, and most viewers loved him on the show.
Boity Thulo said Somizi is the best thing to happen to Idols. Others said that he has given them a reason to watch the show.
Why we love Somizi on Idols SA
He’s flamboyant
To be honest, there’s nobody more flamboyant in South Africa than Somizi. Whether it’s him teaching contestants how to celebrate by running around the studio or bursting out into an impromptu dance, Somizi is flaming!
He’s original
So many of the judges we’ve seen on Idols SA are mirror images of their USA or UK counterparts in terms of personality. Somizi breaks the mould — period. Everything that he does, seems to be all him. Who wears a weave like that anyway?
He understands entertainment
Somizi is a talented and experienced performer who knows exactly what it takes to get to the top. His understanding of the industry allows him to make very concise judgment calls on the contestants standing before him. He knows talent when he sees or hears it!
He’s funny
The first half of episode 1 of Idols SA season 11 felt as if it was the Somizi show, such was the impact he had. He was particularly hilarious with his comments and impromptu coaching. The guy’s full of funny bones!
He’s real
Somizi calls it like he sees it. He’s not mean . . . just brutally honest . . . but in a nicer, funnier way. He’s not afraid to tell you you’re kak, pretty much like Randall but with a smile. Bottom line is that we like his refreshing approach to judging. — TimesLive/IOL/Showbiz Reporter.
Online Reporter