Phila Madlingozi Accuses Somizi Mhlongo of Taking All the Opportunities From Local Talent

• Somizi Mhlongo has found himself at the centre of controversy as fellow artist Phila Madlingozi accuses him of taking opportunities away from other local talent
• The actor and musician accused Mhlongo of taking all the gigs while other talented individuals are left with nothing
• This comes after SomGAGA was booked at an event, and social media weighed in on the allegations

Somizi Mhlongo is being accused of taking all the opportunities from other local talent.

The media personality, whose years-long career has made him one of the most beloved entertainers, is admired by audiences of all ages.

According to Sunday World on 20 August 2025, his booking at the 2024 Ebubeleni Festival in Gqeberha ruffled some feathers among local talent, particularly singer and actor Phila Madlingozi.

The Born Into Fame star reportedly expressed his frustration in a social media post. He was upset that SomGAGA was booked in his hometown while he and other local talent were overlooked by the organisers:

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"Somizi was booked to introduce Vusi while we’re being overlooked. Money is being wasted here in Gqeberha."

Phila, who is known as the son of legendary singer Ringo Madlingozi, is a singer in his own right and expressed that he, too, would like to perform at the event. However, he is never handed the opportunity.

Noting that his post was not an attack on Somizi, Phila said he had nothing against the veteran presenter. However, he went on to call him out for being complicit:

"If he is reasonable, he’ll understand my point. However, I’ve never seen Somizi advocating for local artists. He’s silent because he’s also benefiting. I’m not doubting his hard work, but it’s unfair that he’s still taking opportunities from local artists."

This wouldn't be the first time SomGAGA was accused of hogging all the gigs, and Briefly News shared online criticism of the industry always using the same faces.

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Meanwhile, the former Gqeberha: The Empire star stands firmly on his statements, saying he is not afraid of cancel culture and that such issues need to be raised. Also acknowledging that some people might not agree with him.

Here's how South Africans reacted to Phila Madlingozi's statements

It wasn't long before social media erupted with criticism of Madlingozi's comments about being overlooked, with some accusing him of using his famous father for fame. Read some of their comments below.

Phatheka Jiba slammed Phila:

"Is there a day this Phila is not complaining? I bet he complains more than improving his so-called creativity 'cause woooow, talent-wise yeah, it's another story."

Dudu Sbosh said:

"That time, he is using his dad to get gigs, he should calm down and leave a diligent Somgaga! Each to his own, baba! Phuma ku bab Sarafina!"

Luciano Caleni suggested:

"Phila, fire your manager and leave Somizi because his manager is working."

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Shad O Mnyila criticised Phila:

"I don't even know one song. I know this guy who is always on social media, even though he is Ringo's son; he is called an actor at Gqeberha. Unfortunately, I don't watch TV, so he must be whack."

Phumezo Blake Kondlo laughed:

"That time, I don't even know who Phila Madlingozi is."

Sol Phenduka allegedly suspended

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Sol Phenduka allegedly getting suspended from Kaya 959.

Confused fans flooded social media with questions on what could have led to the suspension; however, some online users hinted at knowing what may have happened.

Source: Briefly News