One thing you’ll appreciate about the first episode of Somhale: The Union is how the couple remained respectful and true to their traditional cultural practices.
There may have been a few vocal critics of Somizi and Mohale’s union when the couple went public about their relationship three years ago, but no one could deny that their four-part wedding special, which premieres exclusively on showmax.com from 24 February 2020, is a true reflection of not only their love but also the value they place on their cultural and religious practices as a homosexual couple.
These are just some of our favourite moments from the first episode of Somizi & Mohale: The Union.
The coming together of families
During the process of their traditional wedding, the couple was adamant that they followed all the cultural practices of both their respective clans.
According to Somizi, it was Mohale who insisted that they follow all protocol that involves the traditional ceremony (Umembeso). Umembeso is a process that involves Somizi’s family bringing gifts for Mohale’s family. Mohale made it clear that this process was not only about the gifts but also about the uniting of families and their ancestors.
“This part of the wedding is very spiritual and traditional. Everybody has to be in the moment to understand what’s really happening because it involves a lot of my family members, receiving gifts from Somizi’s family members and it’s also a lot of connection with the ancestors and the overall unity of both families,” said Mohale.
Somizi’s brother – an overwhelmingly supportive sibling
Mazwe Mhlongo is the second-born to Somizi’s late father. Mazwe did an amazing job at leading the Mhlongo family during the Umembeso process and even during the day of the traditional wedding.
Mazwe’s support towards Somizi and Mohale was commendable – he went above and beyond to ensure that his brother and the Mhlongo family were well-represented during the entire ceremony.
Somizi communicating with and calling on his ancestors
Before the traditional wedding process took place, Somizi took a moment to burn sage throughout his house as a way of communicating and thanking his ancestors for having been with him and Mohale throughout this entire journey.
What was funny about this moment was when Somizi mentioned that he is specifically burning the sage to ensure that he and Mohale are protected from the evil guests who will be attending the wedding.
Bahumi’s speech
Bahumi’s speech to her father (Somizi) and now step-father (Mohale) was also a defining moment during the traditional wedding.
A teary-eyed Bahumi expressed how overjoyed she was to finally see her father experience the happiness he’s always been longing for and that she is thankful to Mohale for bringing such happiness into her father’s life.
Watch Somizi & Mohale: The Union on showmax.com.
