I think it’s safe to say Somizi Mhlongo has endured a rocky year or so in the public eye, thanks in large part to the drama around his failed marriage with ex-husband Mohale Motaung.
Despite this, the “Idols SA” judge still seems to be an in-demand on screen personality.
Recently, ahead of the return of the fifth season of his reality show, “Living The Dream With Somizi Mhlongo”, which premiers on Showmax on May 4, Mhlongo debuted a new talk show on 1Magic called, “Downtime with Somizi”.
Last month, IOL Entertainment reported on the show: “Over 13 episodes, viewers will see Mhlongo talk to a pair of guests during an activity that takes them outside their comfort zone.
“Guests take part in an outrageously fun and quirky experience for the first time and then head to a relaxed and low-key dinner where themed topics will be explored in-depth.”
Guests on the show include Peggy-Sue Khumalo, Connie Ferguson, Ntsiki Mazwai, Thandiswa Mazwai, T-Bo Touch, DJ Sbu, Bobby Motaung, Shauwn Mkhize, Anele Mdoda and Thembisa Nxumalo.
The first episode of the show featured South African A-list actresses Lillian Dube and Mara Louw.
The most recent episode of the show, which aired Friday night, has seen fans applauding Mhlongo for his hosting skills and refreshing perspective.
“Just when people thought he was done for @somizi rose from the ashes like a Phoenix #DownTimeWithSomizi is one for the books,” tweeted @malangathefirst. “Congratulations my brother. Love this for you ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️”.
Just when people thought he was done for @somizi rose from the ashes like a Phoenix #DownTimeWithSomizi is one for the books!! Congratulations my brother. Love this for you ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
— MaLanga (@MaLangaTheFirst) April 22, 2022
@mazuluomuhlez found herself getting emotional when Somizi got deep: “@somizi was talking to me right here 🥺❤️. I found myself crying...the message hit home 😭😭❤️. #DownTimeWithSomizi”
@somizi was talking to me right here 🥺❤️. I found myself crying...the message hit home 😭😭❤️. #DownTimeWithSomizi pic.twitter.com/ayUXcl67J1
“I did not expect this ending,” added alfonzowords2. “It was so wholesome & eloquently defined by @somizi I embraced every word, every evocation, every healing. Must Watch! Vaya con Dios #DownTimeWithSomizi #wisdom”.
I did not expect this ending.
— Enricoh Alfonzo🐺~ Author (@Alfonzowords2) April 22, 2022
It was so wholesome & eloquently defined by @somizi
I embraced every word, every evocation, every healing.
Must Watch! Vaya con Dios #DownTimeWithSomizi #wisdom pic.twitter.com/rUwk1K1VRG
@siiwe_ can’t get enough of the show: “Enjoying #DownTimeWithSomizi 😂😂😭😭 sm. we need two episodes a day coz this SHOW is FIRE 🔥🔥🔥🔥”.
Enjoying #DownTimeWithSomizi 😂😂😭😭 sm. we need two episodes a day coz this SHOW is FIRE 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/g74WS0tTzo
— Andiisiwe 💫 ฿ (@siiwe_) April 22, 2022
“Lol I'm glad they talking about this thing of influencers now getting acting gigs while people who actually studied drama ain't getting any gigs. Yeah it's really sad 💔 #DownTimeWithSomizi,” @pebblesneo added.
Lol I'm glad they talking about this thing of influencers now getting acting gigs while people who actually studied drama ain't getting any gigs. Yeah it's really sad 💔 #DownTimeWithSomizi
@gomolemosa_echoed the sentiments of many others on social media. “Somizi is such a great host and it must be a pleasure to be his guest #DownTimeWithSomizi”.
Somizi is such a great host and it must be a pleasure to be his guest #DownTimeWithSomizi pic.twitter.com/7ZuPQpXvMW
— Uncle Gee 👑 (@GomolemoSA_) April 22, 2022