Already back for a second instalment, Dance Your Butt Off (DYBO) is steaming up as contestants deliver energetic, glammed-up performances. Somizi Mhlongo returns as head judge. As a respected dancer, choreographer, musician and actor, he’s more than qualified to critique contestants and help them dance off the kilos.
Somizi, what must the contestants do to impress you?
After the first season the bar was set very high, so expectations are much higher. These guys have to match up and actually do better than last season’s contestants. And this is not about dance alone, it’s about the whole package – they must be able to dance well, look good in their costumes and their personalities must shine through. But, most important, they must lose weight. That’s the whole point of the show. They must transform in front of our eyes.
During the audition phases, what went through your head when you saw people dancing?
That some people cannot dance (laughs). To be honest, I wish we could’ve taken more people. Many of them impressed me and we could only choose 10. I realised so many people wanted to change their lives and images. That made me happy because they realised they needed to start living healthier lives.
You’re a strict judge. Are your comments meant just for the sake of it or is it to make sure they do better next time?
No, no, no! I call a spade a spade. I’m not a good liar. I don’t see why I should spare people’s feelings because I need to tell them the truth. So, what I see is what you are going to get from me. If you did well, I will congratulate you, and if you were atrocious, I’ll tell you, too. People forget this is show business and in show business doors close quicker than you can say “hello”, and this is a competition, so people will just have to be strong.
You’ve been in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years. What’s made you stay relevant for so long?
I ask myself this every day. I watched a documentary on my life on SABC 1 recently and I was so emotional because I was retracing the steps I have walked to get this far in the industry. From the beginning, acting on Sarafina, to now, it’s been an interesting journey. I’ve stayed relevant all these years because I keep reinventing myself. Longevity in the entertainment industry is very possible – you just need to know what you are doing, and with whom, and to keep bringing new elements of yourself as often as possible. You can’t afford to be boring. I think my upbringing also played a huge role – even though I was born in the spotlight, I was raised like any normal child.
What has been your greatest achievement as an entertainer?
I’d say choreographing the closing ceremony of the World Cup last year. That and actually being a judge on DYBO.
And what’s the most important thing you’ve learnt in being part of the industry?
You must always watch your back. It’s a dog-eat-dog industry. Staying grounded and having a good support system will also help with the pressure one faces in the industry. Have real friends, love them and your family, and you’ll be fine.
Your parents are legendary actors, the late Ndaba Mhlongo and Mary Twala – what advice did they give you about the industry?
None. I lived with them and saw everything that happened in their lives – from the good times, the bad times, the exploitations – it taught me how I should handle my business. When I decided I wanted to be part of the industry, I got in with my eyes wide open and knowing what I would encounter. It’s a tough industry.
What’s your next project?
I’m shooting a movie at the end of August and will release my new CD soon. It’s adult contemporary, jazz music, and I worked with Kira, Jimmy Dludlu, Zonke – it also includes a cover of my aunt Busi Mhlongo’s Intandane.
What can we expect from DYBO this season?
Oh, expect to be wowed by me – by what I say, what I wear (he loves bling) and, of course, the contestants. It’s TV at its best and I can guarantee viewers will be impressed.
l Dance Your Butt Off airs on SABC1 every Tuesday at 6.30pm.