Comedy Central (DStv 122) is doing a 3rd in its localised South African series of The Comedy Central Roast of ... with socialite and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo who will be taking the hot seat in The Comedy Central Roast of Somizi set for broadcast on the channel on 7 May.
An uncensored version of the Somizi roast will be made available on MultiChoice's subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD) Showmax from 8 May.
The Comedy Central Roast of Somizi follows a roast of Afrikaans singer Steve Hofmeyr in September 2012, and one with Kenny Kunene in early 2014 who replaced Leon Schuster at short notice.
Somizi Mhlongo continues as one of the trio of judges for the upcoming 14th season of Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) that is currently filming the nationwide auditions and just competed the shooting of the grueling Theatre Week this past weekend at the Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward. He is also one of the presenters of the magazine gossip show V Entertainment on 1Magic (DStv 103).
"We're definitely looking forward to seeing both Somizi and the panel feel the burn," says Dillon Khan, the vice president for Comedy Central and creative services for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa), in a statement. "South Africans throw shade on a daily basis with no filter and that’s how we like our roasts."
Somizi Mhlongo in the statement says "I am really excited to be the Roastee. The moment Comedy Central approached me I grabbed the opportunity. I have always wanted to be part of this project. I have what it takes to handle the heat because I am thick skinned. Despite my trials I am here standing and ready for the next bout. I’m definitely up for this, especially when I get to have the last laugh at the panelists.”
Candice Fangueiro, the head of content for Africa at Showmax says "Creating great entertainment means taking risks and Comedy Central’s Roasts are legendary for taking no prisoners. This is exactly the fresh, edgy content we love bringing to Showmax and something we’d like to do much more of in the future".
The filming of the Comedy Central Roast of Somizi is open for public attendance and will take place on Thursday 26 April at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.
