Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena/Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
EVERYONE has a Babongile Sikhonjwa story, especially those in entertainment circles. Larger than life, unapologetically goofy, and fiercely passionate about the arts, Sikhonjwa was not just a believer in creativity — he embodied it.
Wherever Sikhonjwa went, one thing was certain: people were guaranteed a good time. Whether you met him in his hometown of Bulawayo or anywhere else in the world, he always brought good vibes with him.
The sudden death of the popular radio personality and entertainer has sent shockwaves through Bulawayo and the rest of Zimbabwe. Affectionately known as “The Ndebele Rock Star”, Sikhonjwa died on September 21, 2025 at the age of 49 after experiencing shortness of breath. He was rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) but, sadly, could not pull through.
Those close to him remember a vibrant, humorous character whose infectious personality and sharp wit made him a beloved figure both on and off the microphone.
Sikhonjwa’s unmatched talent behind the mic saw him build a formidable career in broadcasting. For more than a decade, he was a household name on Bulawayo’s Skyz Metro FM, where he was among the station’s pioneering presenters. His broadcasting excellence earned him recognition, including a National Arts Merit Award (Nama) for Outstanding Radio Presenter in 2019.
In 2023, he joined Zimpapers-owned Star FM as host of The After-Drive, quickly endearing himself to national audiences.
Beyond radio, Sikhonjwa proved himself a true jack of all trades. He built a successful career as a comedian, collecting numerous accolades, and pursued acting, appearing in the 2014 production Mr Perfect and in Soulmates, which premièred on ZTN Prime in 2022.
As a qualified sound engineer, he also left an indelible mark as a music and events promoter, contributing significantly to Bulawayo’s arts and entertainment scene. His efforts opened doors for countless young creatives, nurturing the careers of DJ Skaiva, Mzoe 7, Tebza, producer Phanas, Mzistozz Mfanafuthi, Guluva 7, and the late Clive Chigubu and Cal_Vin, among others.
Tributes have been pouring in for the multi-talented entertainer, with colleagues and industry peers describing him as a unifier, a mentor, and an unstoppable source of joy.
Dumisani “MaForty” Ndlovu, director of KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival, recalled how Sikhonjwa welcomed him into comedy circles.
“Whenever I called upon Babongile for a gig, he delivered, and when he called, I answered. I can’t believe we’re talking about him in the past tense. He was a larger-than-life character, unapologetic, with jokes for days. He used to say I shouldn’t be alive because I’ve had so many close shaves,” said MaForty.
Comedian Ntando Van Moyo of Umahlekisa Comedy Club described Sikhonjwa as a brother figure.
“Sikhonjwa was a larger-than-life character. He attended almost all our events. I’ll remember him as a brother and a close associate in comedy,” he said.
Describing Sikhonjwa as “an entertainer in every sense of the word”, radio personality Khaya Moyo, who once co-hosted the Vuka Vuka Breakfast Show on Skyz Metro FM with him during her early days in broadcasting, reflected on their time together.
“I remember the night before we were paired to co-host the Vuka Vuka Breakfast Show. I was so nervous! I thought to myself, me, a newcomer in broadcasting, working with a firebrand like you? I didn’t sleep that night because I wasn’t sure I could handle your larger-than-life personality.
“But damn, did the combo work! We created radio magic. I remember the heated debates on the Love Song Challenge, and your philanthropic work off-air, you were always so passionate about helping those in need. You loved the creative sector and were unapologetically yourself. I’ve never met anyone as fearless and authentic about their identity as you were. Ulale ngoxolo khiwa lami, the Ndebele Rock Star.”
Rapper Awa Khiwe also poured out her grief in an emotional message.
“I have no words. I didn’t know that this year would be the last time I’d see you, Babo. After a gig, we linked up at the club and you introduced me to Kwesta, asking me to chill in the VIP room with him. You even told me to do an interview on Star FM the next morning because you feared it might be the last time you saw me.
“I laughed, clapped my hands and said, ‘Come on, I’ll be back’. At that moment, I thought the ‘last time’ meant you seeing me again, I never imagined it would be the last time I saw you.”
She went on to share how Sikhonjwa played the role of a big brother.
Outspoken journalist and socialite Brighton Ncube admitted he never thought he would read such a headline.
“Sikhonjwa was a genuine person and his death has devastated many of us in the media and business. The Ndebele Rockstar was ever jovial, never shy to lend a hand. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
South Africa-based producer LA Beatz, famed for producing Big Zulu’s hit Imali Eningi, recalled Sikhonjwa’s humility.
“The late Rockstar paid me a courtesy call just to give me an interview, something many media personalities don’t do. That’s who he was, hands-on and genuine.”
Sikhonjwa’s generosity and hands-on approach extended beyond the mic. His establishment, Red Café, became a hub for Bulawayo’s creative scene. It hosted monthly Hip-Hop Power Sessions, which unearthed countless talents, and every Wednesday night, bands like Prosper Tshuma and The Smart Band and Jeys Marabini turned the café into a haven for live music. His commitment to artiste welfare was clear when the Zimbabwe Musicians union (ZiMU) Bulawayo Chapter held a consultation meeting at Red Café last year, with Sikhonjwa offering the platform at no cost.
A shape-shifter par excellence, Sikhonjwa blurred the lines between broadcaster and artiste. He joined hip-hop cyphers with rap duo Killemol and collaborated with them and Madlela Skhobokhobo on the track Sinjalo.
His unpredictability made him a constant source of entertainment, famously bringing a goat on stage at the 2023 Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards as a gift for businessman Busisa Moyo.
From the studio to the stage, from comedy to music, Sikhonjwa embodied the spirit of Bulawayo’s arts scene. He will be sorely missed not only in entertainment spaces but beyond, remembered as a man who gave laughter, mentorship, and opportunity wherever he went.
