Somizi

Somizi’s lit cook book has has been nominated for an award under the Celebrity Chef World category at the World Gourmand Cook Book Awards. Image: @somizi/Instagram

R500k for a new gig? Somizi is set to return to TV with ‘Lovey Dovey’

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo will reportedly receive R500 000 to host a new dating show on Moja Love titled ‘Love Dovey’.

Somizi

Somizi’s lit cook book has has been nominated for an award under the Celebrity Chef World category at the World Gourmand Cook Book Awards. Image: @somizi/Instagram

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo reportedly scored a gig to host a new dating show on Moa Love titled Lovey Dovey. 

SOMIZI TO HOST LOVEY DOVEY

Somizi Mhlongo’s career took a severe hit after the abuse allegations against him surfaced. In August, audio clips between his estranged husband Mohale Motaung and the producers of Living the Dream with Somizi were leaked. In the audio clips, Mohale claimed Somizi physically and psychologically abused him. 

This led to the media personality taking indefinite “time off” from his judge role on Idols SA and his radio gig on Metro FM. Somizi did not return to either of the shows and revealed that he was unemployed. This was up until the news of his new gig surfaced. 

City Press reported, the former Idols SA judge is set to host a new dating show on Moja Love titled Lovey Dovey. The show is reportedly set to premiere in February. A source claimed that he will be paid R500 000 to host the show. 

“Things have been pretty quiet on Somizi’s side since the whole Mohale sage started. He has worked with Moja Love as a guest host on Mina Nawe House before, and viewers loved him. Since he is not doing any work on Idols and Metro FM, Moja Love came through for him and they paid him really well for this gig,” said the source to the publication. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ‘LOVEY DOVEY’

Lovey Dovey is reportedly set to compete with Mzansi Magic’s reality show Big Brother. The contestants aim to find a potential love interest. The winning couple  will receive a R500 000 cash prize and a dream wedding.

“The contestants will spend three weeks together in the hope of finding love. They must do their best to fall in love. Activities such as boat trips, waterskiing and sunset cruises are planned to help them connect in order to not get voted out of the [residence], and ultimately out of the show,” the source continued.

“There’s so much to look forward to in the new year of Moja Love. We will have great, entertaining new concept shows such as Lovey Dovey, sitcom shows Umuzi Wabadala and KoStateng , as well as X-repo,” said Moja Love chief executive Aubrey Tau. 

Lovey Dovey is expected to be a hit.

“We believe Lovey Dovey will be a huge phenomenon. I am confident that it will be one of the best-performing series on TV next year. We will keep our viewers entertained with our great shows, especially young viewers, who are hard to find now,” he continued.

ALSO READ: Mohale jumps into single life…and a pair of super short shorts! [watch]

MOJA LOVE DID NOT ‘JUDGE SOMIZI HARSHLY

Somizi admitted that the last few months took a toll on his career. He also revealed that Moja Love was able to separate his personal life from his professional life.

“The past few months of my personal life took a toll on my professional life. As a media personality, it can be hard for people to separate the two now, but I am happy that a channel such as Moja Love was able to separate the two and give me this opportunity despite the challenges I face,” said Somizi to City Press.

In a statement to Tshisa Live, Tau said that Moja Love does not condone violence but are giving Somizi a “second chance.

“Moja Love does not condone nor support domestic violence or abuse but, like any other business, it did not think it would be fair to deny Mhlongo a second chance on his much deserved opportunity to join the channel as demanded by its viewers,” said Tau to Tshisa Live.

SOMIZI IS READY TO BRING HIS ‘A-GAME’

The media personality referred to Mohale as his “ex-husband”.

“Ever since the reports in the media of [domestic violence] involving me and my ex-husband, I have never been  given the benefit of the doubt to share my side of the story, but have chosen and prefer to keep my affairs private,” he continued. 

The former Metro FM radio host added that he is ready to bring his A-game. 

“Taking some time off, away from the spotlight, has given me the introspect and now I am ready to bring my A-game, which I am truly excited to be joining Moja Love, especially because the channel tells our black stories in the most authentic and realistic way, which in something I am passionate about. Moja Love aligns perfectly with my brand”