Lasizwe Dambuza revealed as Sushi on The Masked Singer South Africa

The secret is finally out. Lasizwe Dambuza was the celebrity hiding inside the Sushi costume on The Masked Singer South Africa Season 3.

The digital creator and Mzansi entertainment favourite was unmasked on the SABC 2 guessing game after weeks of clues and energetic performances that kept viewers and most of the detective panel guessing.

Known for his bold personality and YouTube career, where he has amassed more than a million subscribers, Lasizwe added another memorable television appearance to his entertainment résumé.

The star previously kept audiences entertained on the SAFTA-nominated Awkward Dates, but this time he had to keep his identity hidden behind Sushi.

Only Somizi guessed Lasizwe correctly

Of all the detectives, only Somizi Mhlongo correctly identified the celebrity behind the mask.

His successful guess put him at the top of the leaderboard in the race for the coveted Golden Ear trophy.

Sushi had given the panel plenty to work with during the competition.

He performed Outkast’s “Hey Ya!”, Mandoza’s “Nkalakatha” and Babes Wodumo’s gqom hit “Umngan’wami”, while his clue packages dropped hints about the person beneath the costume.

Among them were references to a “national hero”, Japan, soccer, content creation, faith, an upbringing rooted in grace and the cryptic statement that “a literal princess is the reason why I’m here”.

Detectives had plenty of other suspects

The clues sent detectives J’Something, Somizi, Sithelo Shozi and guest detective Jason Goliath, who stood in for Skhumba, in several different directions.

Their guesses included content creator and broadcaster Okay Wasabi, Springbok Cheslin Kolbe, Primo Baloyi, former footballer Bongani Khumalo, Dr Musa Mthombeni, Musa Keys and comedian Tats Nkonzo.

Then came a clue that, in hindsight, almost gave the game away.

During the “Clue Game”, a giant slot machine revealed a cellphone, a Martini glass and an R10 note.

Each item had a personal connection to Lasizwe.

He began his content-creation journey after winning a cellphone in a competition.

The R10 note referenced the “R10 Goes a Long Way” campaign he helped launch in 2021 to assist students struggling with registration fees.

The Martini glass pointed to his YouTube show Drink or Tell the Truth.

Somizi spotted Sushi’s walk

It wasn’t only the clues that helped Somizi solve the mystery.

He also noticed Sushi’s distinctive walk and mannerisms.

Combined with the YouTuber clue, Somizi was confident enough to lock in Lasizwe as his final guess.

Sushi was eventually sent to the Danger Zone and eliminated by Gogga, bringing Lasizwe’s time behind the mask to an end.

Lasizwe jokes about a new career

Lasizwe still left the stage laughing.

Speaking to host Mpho Popps after being unmasked, he revealed that he enjoyed performing in disguise and joked that learning the choreography had opened another career opportunity.

“Y’all can book me!”

There was even another soccer-related clue hidden in plain sight.

Lasizwe’s second name is Siphiwe, the same name as legendary Bafana Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala.

The Masked Singer South Africa airs on SABC 2 on Saturdays at 19:00. Rebroadcasts air on SABC 1 on Thursdays at 21:00 and SABC 2 on Fridays at 13:30.

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