As if being a radio star, having a reality television show and being a musician was not enough, Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo is now a stand-up comedian.
Mhlongo has been added to the line-up of South Africa's premier comedy event Blacks Only. The event takes place on August 11 at Ticketpro Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.
Mhlongo will share the stage with comics such as Daliso Chaponda (UK), Dwayne Perkins (US) and locals Kagiso Mokgadi, Mpho Popps, Sifiso Nene, Tumi Morake and Skhumba Hlophe.
Yesterday Mhlongo told Sowetan he was looking forward to making his debut among the country's best comics. He said he was confident he will do well because he was a "natural born" comedian.
"My father was one of the best comedians. Being funny is something that comes naturally. I don't have to try hard."
Mhlongo's father is the legendary 1970s and 80s film and television star Ndaba Mhlongo and his mother is actress Mary Twala.
Mhlongo, who co-hosts the breakfast show on Metro FM, said for years David Kau, the man behind the Blacks Only concept, always wanted him to be part of the extravaganza. But, he said, he was not ready.
"I believe in timing. I think it is the right time for me to do it. I always believed that I am funny and I can bring it on."
Mhlongo, who has been placed at the beginning of the programme, said he will have a serious go at both gay and straight men as well as making fun of himself.
He was featured onThe Roast early this year where he was poked fun at by a string of local personalities.
He said one of his jokes is: "I know that I am going to be a difficult ancestor. I won't allow umqombothi for my traditional ceremonies. Ngizobabuza ukuthi wake wangibona kuphi ngiphuza umqombothi? (I will ask them where have you ever seen me drink umqombothi)".