Three times Brand Somizi has gone global

On 29 November 2019, the entertainer posted a cryptic tweet that referenced him in ‘laughing in champagne’. And then on 1 December, he revealed a partnership with French champagne brand GH MuMM that’s a first in Africa.

But this international deal is not the first time Somizi has garnered global attention. Here are three times in his life where his star has gone beyond the borders of South Africa:

Somizi with French champagne in 2019

#SomiziBrunch pic.twitter.com/D3eVQjkbvC

— somizi somGAGA (@somizi) December 1, 2019

Founded in 1827, GH MuMM is a French champagne house that recognized Somizi’s massive brand equity. The GHMUMMxSOMIZI collaboration is limited edition demi sec champagne bottle that is the first ever in Africa. In the past the company has partnered with Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and French DJ David Guetta, but Somizi represents their first association with South Africa and with the continent. Their bottle together is a variation of the house’s gourmet champagne.

Their signature drink remains the same, but the bottle has changed from its conventional green colour to a gold and rose pink hued one. The limited-edition bottle also features Somizi’s signature, perhaps making it a souvenir fans will want to keep.

2010 FIFA World Cup

During South Africa’s iconic hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Somizi has the prestigious role of being lead choreographer for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

Taking place on 11 June at Soccer City in Johannesburg, the opening ceremony was a 40-minute spectacular that featured 1500 performers. Stars on the lineup included local musicians Thandiswa Mazwai and Hugh Masekela, as well as global icons Femi Kuti and R.Kelly. While it was screened on TV sets around the world, many dignitaries got to see Somizi’s movement skills live. At least 20 heads of state attended the event alongside other leaders such as United Nations secretary-general Ban Kin Moon.

Three years later, Somizi was again chosen to choreograph the opening ceremony for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations which was hosted in Johannesburg.

Tarzan: The Epic Adventures (1996)

In his early 20s, Somizi was part of the cast for an American adventure series, called Tarzan: The Epic Adventures. Focussed on the character of Tarzan in his childhood, the show was filmed at Sun City resort in South Africa. While this might have been in his international debut, Somizi already had an impressive portfolio as an actor and performer.

His first role was at age 13, when he appeared on the film Scavengers. This was followed by what could be considered a breakout role, in the musical Sarafina. He would follow this up with more film work include Cry, the Beloved Country in 1995. Born to veteran actress, Mary Twala and actor and comedian, Ndaba Mhlongo, Somizi was exposed to the entertainment industry at a very young age. He then went on however to build his own career and exceed boundaries of geography by building a noteworthy international profile.