Somizi Mhlongo, 49, is a pop cultural icon. In his veins flows the blood of our cultural icons Ndaba Mhlongo, his father, Mary Twala, his mother, and Busi Mhlongo, his aunt.
This is a noteworthy fact, as later it will be revealed just how important his lineage and legacy are to him. His daughter, Bahumi (a Setswana name meaning “the wealthy ones”), 27, is now an accomplished young lady with a qualification in filmmaking, and is one of the most followed online content creators.
Her mother is none other than the memorable Generations actress and prolific television presenter, Palesa Madisakwane (47). Very few families can boast such talent, individually. They are a powerhouse trio.
Somizi was literally a child star who was touring the world at the age of 15. He has been in the industry since he was nine years old and is regarded as the South African quintessential “quadruple threat”: he dances, sings, presents and acts. He is also an astute businessman and an author. Palesa is a former beauty queen-turned-actress and presenter, and now a businesswoman. Bahumi is a quintessential Gen Z-er who creates engaging online content and is a sought-after influencer.
The last time I saw Somizi was in January 2021 when we were at a shoot with his now estranged husband, Mohale Motaung.
Following their stunning and record-breaking Showmax wedding event special, I wanted Somizi to be on my very first TRUELOVE cover, and he agreed, but said we should have Mohale too, because of the significance of their union, especially with regard to the LGBTQIA+ community. I was elated!
A few days later, however, I recall he called and made a peculiar request: he wanted to know if it was possible to have two TRUELOVE covers – one of him on his own and the other with Mohale.
I distinctly remember my internal warning system go off, but I quickly dismissed the feeling and said yes, you are the Somizi Mhlongo after all; your marriage doesn’t define you. We made a plan to have two covers and that was the first of the many red flags I missed.
“We’ve always been on the surface. We do the fun things: we go to lunch together, we travel, we shop, I provide for her – but I have never even met a single one of her boyfriends.”
He and I embrace outside the studio and there is an awkward silence when we both recall our last time. In true Somgaga style, he literally snaps his manicured fingers and says, “Don’t worry, this time is going to be better than that mess I let you shoot”.
We cackle like two naughty teenagers because, looking back, the signs were always there, unfortunately – our historical, dream love story was not meant to be.
“You know, Khosi, I think this was one the worst shoots of my career. I knew that was a mistake.
“But I have no one to blame but myself. I had emotionally distanced myself because I had realised that I was constantly pouring into an empty cup.
“The affection was not reciprocal; my efforts were not reciprocated; the attention was not reciprocal. I raised this many, many times.
“Nothing was working. By then, I had made the decision to remove myself emotionally, because I
