Former Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo wrote a touching tribute to his late parents, actors Mary Twala and Ndaba Mhlongo. Ndaba died in 1989, and Mary died in July 2020, both at the age of 80.
Somizi wrote an appreciation post on his Instagram page, reflecting on the recent progress he has made.
“Ma and Pa this is me. Your son. Thank you for always allowing me to be me. When I said I want to be an artist you never said ‘finish your matric as planned’ because you have always believed in my Plan A and so did I.
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“Plan A has had its ups and downs. At some point I wish I had plan B. But I’m glad I hung on. Plan A is now paying off. I knew one day I’d be the CEO of something.”
Somizi debuted his Sompire Kids apparel line in August, something he never imagined would happen 20 years ago.
“I’m glad it’s only happening now because I’m ready. Here’s to my legacy. It’s going to be another rough, tough journey but you bet I’m ready. Luckily I don’t walk alone. I have you around me all the time.”
In 2020, Somizi who has ventured into almost all areas of the media business and now has become an entrepreneur paid tribute to his parents by having their portraits painted on his denim jacket.
“When I saw a painting of my mom on Twitter by this young man, Olwethu Patuleni, I was immediately drawn to it. That’s when I had the idea of him making a portrait of my parents on a denim jacket.
“When the parcel arrived today I was wondering why is it in a big box. Kanti this sweet, talented young man added an actual framed portrait of my mom as a surprise gift. I only paid for the jacket and the drawing on it.”
