Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Nkululeko Dube, founder and director of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa), has revealed that the late Babongile Sikhonjwa’s artistry was deeply rooted in theatre although he was versatile and gifted on many fronts.
Sikhonjwa, 49, died on Sunday in Bulawayo.
Dube recounted their relationship dating back to 1989, when they were schoolmates at Mzingwane High School.
“Sikhonjwa was not just a colleague in the arts like anybody else. He was more like my twin brother because we literally grew up together. My dad and his father were headmasters and worked for the Public Service Commission. Their bond made me and Sikhonjwa like brothers as our families were very close.
“I went to school with him at Mzingwane, and he later went to Milton High for his Advanced Level studies. While at school, we created the Mzingwane Drama Club, which became a force to reckon with in boarding schools because we brought a theatre revolution to these schools,” Dube said.
Sikhonjwa’s other talents were later recognised by the late arts doyen Cont Mhlanga, who hosted the Mzingwane Drama Club at Amakhosi’s Umkhosi Wabatsha Festival, attracting high school drama clubs from across the country.
“We were more of protest theatre performers inspired by the Apartheid era in South Africa, so most of our plays focused on black empowerment. At one point, we performed at Umkhosi Wabatsha, and soon after our set, Cont Mhlanga called us. He told Sikhonjwa that with his voice, he would become a great radio host, and he told me to focus on poetry. I believe the old man prophesied our careers,” said Dube.
Dube and Sikhonjwa maintained a strong friendship into adulthood. He recalls the late media personality as a selfless character who played a significant role in establishing Iyasa. With a background in sound engineering, Sikhonjwa helped produce and master songs for the group.
“Sikhonjwa was all about helping people, and every time I called him, he would step in. He played a great part in producing some of our early songs at Iyasa, as he was a master in music production.
“What many didn’t know is that Sikhonjwa discovered South Africa-based Afro-Soul musician Otis Ngwabi, and Skhu and PoZee of the Hamba Nobani fame. I remember one day, Skhu was supposed to perform in Harare and had no band. Sikhonjwa came to me as a last option and asked us to recruit a band and backup dancers for her to perform.
“Iyasa backed her on stage, and the rest is history. That gig made her a superstar.
“The gist is, despite discovering these talents, Sikhonjwa never made things about himself. Many only realised this after his death,” said Dube.
After surviving a near-fatal accident on December 22, 2014, Sikhonjwa shared with Dube a revelation that shaped his purpose.
“While unconscious, he said he heard a voice encouraging him to focus on helping the young. I told him to do so because we both believed the accident was a sign. He then started initiatives that helped young creatives, including being part of Amakhosi Live and Bigger Than Hip Hop sessions.
“He also hosted youth-focused events at the Red Café, grooming talents like the late rapper Cal_Vin, Asaph, and Mandy Mae. Local bands also had a platform to perform at the venue,” said Dube.
Sikhonjwa will be remembered for promoting Ndebele pride and culture. Dube said he never hesitated to show who he was wherever he went.
“He was a true cultural icon, proud to be Ndebele, and carried this throughout his life — in his presenting style, music, comedy, and fashion. I’ll miss The Ndebele Rockstar, Babangida, Skhocks — through all the names I grew up calling him,” Dube said.
