Cape Town – South Africa’s much-loved entertainer and critically-acclaimed choreographer, Somizi Mhlongo, is reportedly back on this year’s season 18 of Idols SA.
According to City Press, Somizi’s return is a result of the declining viewership after the media personality was given a break from the show.
Somizi has been given the green light because “he is obviously the life of the show” the report quoted a source as saying.
SomG, as he is affectionately known by his loyal supporters, was given time-off the singing competition, last year ,following abuse allegations levelled against him by his now estranged husband, Mohale Mutaung.
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Mohale, in a leaked recording, claimed that Somizi broke his ribs and nearly knocked out his two teeth in a jealously-fueled domestic dispute in their Joburg home last year.
TV production giant, MultiChoice, gave the renowned choreographer an indefinite break from the show “to deal with his personal circumstances”.
“M-Net and Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols in light of the allegations made against him. We have reached a mutual agreement that Somizi Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved,” said MultiChoice in a statement at the time.
Unathi out?
Meanwhile, media personality Unathi Nkayi, who is also a fellow judge on Idols SA, and Somizi’s former close friend, is reportedly now the one being given time-off from the show.
Nkayi was fired from her radio show Midday Joy on Kaya 959 last year in November following “certain conduct that rendered the relationship intolerable going forward”.
ALSO READ: WATCH | ‘I’ve been silenced by Kaya,’ says Unathi Nkayi as she breaks her silence after being fired
According to The South African the radio station confirmed that she was fired following an argument between her and fellow colleague on the station, Sizwe Dhlomo.
It is believed that this is what impacted the decision for her alleged time-off from Idols SA.
“Sources close to Idols SA have revealed that Unathi Nkayi will likely not return to Idols SA season 18 when Somizi Mhlongo returns,” the report said.
Neither Unathi nor MultiChoice has confirmed the circulating reports.
Idols SA is set to start its season 18 auditions on January 23, according to its spokesperson Lucky Mangena.
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Compiled by Odwa Shumi
