BULAWAYO – ‘He was a larger than life character,’ these are the sentiments shared by most Bulawayo residents and entertainers as they mourn the passing of comedian and radio personality Babongile Sikhonjwa.
Sikhonjwa died suddenly in the early hours of Sunday morning. His family revealed that the Star FM DJ collapsed while visiting his friend and was rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
He was 49 years old.
Nehanda Radio caught up with various entertainers in Bulawayo who worked hand in glove with Sikhonjwa before his untimely passing.
Speaking in an interview, Hip Hop, sensation Asaph expressed his gratitude to Sikhonjwa, saying he got his big break through him.
“He was the first promoter to put me on a big stage at one of the first Kalawa Homecoming events. He really plugged me and introduced me to the entertainment scenes.
“He would personally pick me from home to attend shows and events introducing me to all the players in entertainment,” said Asaph.
Another singer, Mzoe 7, also said his first performance came through Sikhonjwa.
He said, “My first in town was at Ayo Bar, and Sikhonjwa was running the place. He has been a hands-on brother to me. I remember so well he gave me Asaph and Guluva 7, our first ever limousine ride to the amagugu heritage site.”
Comedians also had a lot to say about Sikhonjwa, who played an essential role in shaping the comedy scenes of Bulawayo.
Dumisani ‘MaForty’ Ndlovu, who is the founder of KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival, revealed how Sikhonjwa would jump at any opportunity to promote local talent.
“You know bro, Babongile always came through for me, particularly when it came to KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival. He was the first comedian I approached to be part of our festival. He didn’t hesitate.
“He quickly jumped on to make my dream a reality. Ever since that day, he supported the festival all the way through,” said MaForty.
Ntando Van Moyo of Umahlekisa Comedy Club was too emotional to carry through with the interview.
“Eish bafo, it doesn’t sound real at all. Somehow, I think I will get a call from him saying, ‘hey wena Mugabe!’ That man was my brother, at home and in the entertainment spaces. He’s been with me through my lowest points and my highest as well.
“I don’t know bafo, right now, I just can’t bring myself to accept this,” said Ntando is a teary voice.
Fellow broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda wrote a glowing tribute for Sikhonjwa on Facebook.
“We have lost a beautiful soul, my beloved friend, someone who brought light, laughter, and love into the lives of so many.
“He was more than just a comedian, he was a healer through humour, a voice that brought joy on the radio, and a visionary in business. He had a gift of making people smile even on their darkest days. Now, so suddenly, that light is gone and the silence is deafening.
“I still can’t believe I will never hear his laughter again, never see him walk into a room and change the atmosphere with his energy, kindness, and wit. He had a heart big enough to carry us all, a true friend, a brother, a legend, hayi ndoda why do that?
“To know him was to love him and how he was loved. Rest well, my friend. The world feels a little colder without you in it, but your legacy, your laughter, and your love will echo forever.
“Please keep his family, friends, and fans in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Sibanda wrote on Facebook.
Sikhonjwa was well known for his passion for promoting upcoming artists in Bulawayo. He used his platform to profile artistes and entertainers from Bulawayo.
He also opened doors for bands to perform at Red Café a club he used to manage in central Bulawayo. The bar became popular for its live band music shows.
