Somizi Mhlongo: ‘No amount of money can make me do something I don’t like’

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“I don’t do anything I’m not passionate about. Passion never dies. So I never do anything I don’t like. I’m being honest. No amount of money can make me do something I don’t like.”

These are the words of the flamboyant and eccentric Somizi Mhlongo, who passionately wears multiple hats.

He is a media personality, choreographer, former Idols SA judge, actor, fashion designer and master of ceremonies (MC).

Moreover, he assumes each role effortlessly with enthusiasm and authenticity. But beyond the larger-than-life public persona is a man who identifies as an ambivert, cherishes his solitude and is unapologetic about pursuing only what he is truly passionate about.

From the moment Mhlongo stepped into the Primedia Broadcasting building, his voice filled the reception area with excitement as he attempted to record a video of his image displayed on the LED welcome screen.

As he headed into his interview on the 702 Relebogile Mabotja Show, it was difficult to miss his presence. He filled the room not only with his vibrant personality but also with his candour.

Before sitting down for his interview with Eyewitness News, Mhlongo introduced himself to everyone in the room, asking each person their name before taking a seat and allowing us a glimpse into the person behind the public persona.

Born to two veteran entertainers, actor and choreographer Ndaba Mhlongo and award-winning actress Mary Twala, Mhlongo has spent decades carving out his own path in the entertainment industry. Over the years, he has ventured into various creative fields, a journey he says has always been driven by passion.

Mhlongo is forever prepared to turn down an opportunity that he is not aligned with.

“Even today, my management called me to force a partnership of some sort. And I’m like, no, I don’t drink that. But no one will see that. No, I don’t like it. I don’t do it. It was a beer thing. I don’t drink beer,” he said.

His appetite for exploring different creative fields did not emerge out of nowhere. It can be traced back to the small moments that shaped his early experiences in the entertainment industry.

Even as a young performer, he paid attention to the different elements that brought a production together, from directing to makeup and wardrobe. Those details, which might have gone unnoticed by others, helped nurture his curiosity about the many roles that exist behind the scenes.

“From day one, when I started, I started in the business when I was six. So I’ve always been excited by different things. Like, I started as a stage performer. And then from stage I went to TV. And in TV, whilst I’m shooting a children’s programme, I would look at what the director is doing. And I would look at what the makeup lady is doing. And I’d be excited about the wardrobe lady. So I guess it makes sense now. I’ve always wanted to do anything that I’m drawn to,” he shared.

That curiosity has followed him throughout his career.

From his upcoming Life Lessons podcast, set to premiere on S3 in November, to the move of the popular Metro FM show Ask a Man to television, also scheduled for November, Mhlongo continues to explore new ways of connecting with audiences.

Yet, amid the demands of a career that keeps him in the public eye, there is one thing he values above almost everything else: his solitude.

“I’m an ambivert. I don’t like being around people. I love being alone. Do you understand what it means to be alone? Yo, it’s Christmas, you know? Like now, I’m tired of you guys. I wanna go home alone.

“I love being alone. I enjoy waking up and knowing that I have nothing to do.”

As we wrapped up our conversation, Mhlongo was eager to beat the Fourways traffic and hinted that he craved a good meal.

Cooking, it turns out, is another way he enjoys spending his time and caring for himself. It is also something he often extends to the people around him.

“I love cooking a lot. I cook like I’m cooking for eight people. Which I am, in a sense, because I would either cook up for my friends or the guys at the gate. I like cooking a lot,” he said.

From popularising the phrase “Woo Shame” and creating memorable looks for the Durban July to offering advice on Ask a Man, Mhlongo has built a career that reaches into many corners of South African popular culture.

But beneath the public persona, the television appearances and the larger-than-life presence is someone who values his own company. A person whose career has been built on entertaining others, perhaps one of his greatest pleasures is knowing when to step away from the spotlight and enjoy a little solitude.

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