Christmas Eve in South Africa might have not gotten started on a good note following the news of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo’s passing. But December has been a month of a number of ZAlebs ushering a new year of their respective ages.
Read more: A Look Back At Somizi Mhlongo's Woes With SARS
Read more: A Look Back At Somizi Mhlongo's Woes With SARS
The latest to reach a milestone age is none other than choreographer, musician and all round media personality, Somizi Mhlongo. The DStv ambassador seems to have opted for a lowkey celebration this year around as he seemed to have spent money on his series of photoshoots.
Somizi goes "nude" for 50th birthday
Taking to Instagram to celebrate his birthday, Somizi shared semi-nude images from his birthday shoot with acclaimed South African celebrity photographer Stills by Tom. In his caption, Somizi explained the inspiration for the image in question by explaining that he was celebrating his birthday in his “birthday suit.”
Following sharing the first image, Mhlongo shared more images from the photoshoot. This time dressed in a turquoise suit with gold details.
This year, it seems that instead of going all out for his birthday, Somizi decided to have a more low key celebration. This is as newly added friend, Mihlali Ndamase, who is dating Somizi’s long time friend and businessman Leeroy Sidambe took to her stories to share that she was one the few ZAlebs invited to the birthday dinner hosted for Mhlongo.
SomGaga not going all out this year for his birthday should come as no surprise. This is considering just how much backlash and ridicule that Somizi has experienced during what was meant to be his comeback year. This includes:
Relationship with ex Mohale
One of the major comebacks Somizi was meant to have was with the return of his reality show Living the Dream with Somizi. But the return of the fifth season seemed to only make things worse. From the exit of friends to the show TT Mbha and Thami Dish, to Somizi’s “fake engagement” as a storyline, all the while smearing Mohale’s name for filth. Fans were not impressed.
Somizi’s return to Idols SA
When it was confirmed that Somizi would be returning to Idols SA following taking a break mid-season due to the allegations of domestic abuse levelled against him. It was believed that this was a good move. But after his return was confirmed and the double exit of original judge Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi, who were replaced by Jr. and Thembi Seete.
The dip in viewership resulted in Somizi also receiving backlash as he is considered too old and already established to continue fronting Idols SA and MultiChoice as a whole.
Somizi’s love life
Moreover, his love life has been scrutinised. From his vacation bae in Mauritius, to his rich bae who allegedly spent over R100k in one night in order to win his affection. The public has never been more confused as to whether SomGaga is in love or not. A detail he might not want to be upfront about given his last public relationship and the manner in which it ended.
Image credit: ZAlebs