Would you marry him for R500,000? – Somizi guarantees you love and riches

Troubled media personality Somizi Mhlongo has scored a new TV gig on DStv channel Moja Love.

Somizi started filming a new dating show called Lovey Dovey, which is set to premiere in February.

This comes after the star was given time off from his duties as an Idols judge and from his popular weekday show The Bridge on Metro FM in August amid allegations by his estranged husband, Mohale Motaung, of domestic violence.

Sources close to the channel have revealed that the star has been given a chance to revive his career, following his alienation by major brands in light of the abuse allegations.

“Things have been pretty quiet on Somizi’s side since the whole Mohale saga 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,” a source said, adding that Mhlongo would be paid about R500 000 to host the show.

Lovey Dovey, which will look to compete with Mzansi Magic’s much-awaited reality TV show Big Brother Mzansi, will see contestants being locked up in a house surrounded by 24-hour camera surveillance.

The aim is to find a potential love interest the winning contestants will be willing to marry for a R500 000 cash price.

The contestants will spend their time in a private residence in the Vaal, south of Johannesburg.

“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 added.

Moja Love chief executive Aubrey Tau said:

There’s so much to look forward to in the new year on Moja Love. We will have great, entertaining new concept shows such as Lovey Dovey, sitcom shows Umuzi Wabadala and KoStrateng, as well as X-Repo.

“We believe that 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 new shows, especially young viewers, who are hard to find now.”

In a statement yesterday, Mhlongo said he was grateful to Moja Love for not judging him harshly.

The multitalented Mhlongo admitted:
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, 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. 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.

“Taking some time off, away from the spotlight, has given me the time to introspect and now I am ready to bring my A-game, which I am renowned for in the industry. 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 is something I am passionate about. Moja Love aligns perfectly with my brand,” said Mhlongo.

Celebgossip has also learnt that he could also make a sensational return to the Idols judging panel next season because no official charges were laid against him.

The popular singing competition has maintained that Mhlongo will remain on a break for the remainder of the season amid his divorce proceedings.