She has kept the secret for over a year. But she is finally relieved to share the news. DJ, social media influencer, and mother of three, Sithelo Shozi joins Skhumba, J Something, and Somizi Mhlogo as the panel of the new guessing game show The Masked Singer along with Mpho Popps as the host. "Besides my three pregnancies, this is the biggest secret I've had to keep and for the longest time," Sithelo banters. The show is a South African spin-off of the American version of The Masked Singer that is rated number one in 50 countries across the world. In South Africa, it is produced by Anele Mdoda, Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys? company Rose and Oakes. "It took us four years to get the show approved and we are so excited," Anele says. "The show is a guessing game. None of the people behind the mask are professional singers. They are 16 of the biggest celebrities in the country, from politicians, actors, and sports stars. The show is number one in 50 countries across the world. The masks are made by a group of ladies in Krugersdorp and were deemed the best in the world," Frankie adds.

SEEING ANOTHER SIDE OF SITHELO

Her fans have been dying to see her on a TV show and expand her horizons. Not long ago, some speculated that Sithelo might star in the drama series, Umkhokha, but speaking to ZiMoja, Sithelo denied knowing anything about appearing on the show. "I know nothing about Umkhokha." She is excited to be part of the team of The Masked Singer and to be able to show another dimension of herself aside from social media. "This has been a great way for me to start. This is my first big gig and it is huge. I can't wait for what's to come." Sithelo says people make assumptions about her life based on tabloid reports and social media, but not many can claim to know her. "People have seen me on social media but a lot of people don't know me. They know my pictures and that's just about it," she says. "What I loved about being on the show is getting a platform to share who I really am. I actually do have something between these two ears. I don't just take pictures every day. I actually do speak, so this is a great way for people to learn more about me and see who I really am."

CHOOSING SITHELO

Anele says she chose Sithelo to be on the panel after years of watching how she conducts herself on social media. "We always cry about opening up the industry, but on a big show like this, you cannot just shove anybody and sit at home and hope that they do well," Anele says. "I have quietly watched Sithelo on social media for over four years. I built a girl crush and said this girl is so magnetic and says what is on her mind. She reminds me of a young me and instead of being stifled and quietened down. No one said to shrink yourself and I see so much of myself in Sithelo. That is what I want this platform to do for her and that is to grow."

FAMILY DYNAMICS

 The mom of three has two children with Royal AM chairperson, musician, and soccer player Andile Mpisane who she separated three months after giving birth to their second daughter. Recent reports revealed that the two were going through a legal battle after she revealed shocking abuse allegations on her Instagram account in July 2022. She showed images of her bruised face, and broken phones and played a voice recording of what sounded like Andile threatening her life. "I'm not one to speak out about anything concerning my private life, more especially where my kids are involved, but everyone has a breaking point and this narrative has gone too far. I've been silent for far too long and hid my truth for the sake of peace but today I will not be silenced," she wrote. Andile's mother and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize said she knew nothing about the abuse. "I would like to categorically state that neither myself nor my family has been witness to any alleged abuse against Sithelo and further [would] like to highlight that these allegations are false and defamatory."