Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu
SOCIAL media has exploded with a mix of applause, outrage and jokes after Nkayi’s music icon, Sikhosana Buhlungu, posted a heartfelt video in which he pleaded for a car from free-spending businessman, Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo has captured the public attention over the last few years with his philanthropic work, which has seen him buy vehicles and give cash gifts to Zimbabweans from all walks of life.
Sandra Ndebele, Jah Prayzah, Jeys Marabini, and Alick Macheso are just some of the musicians, who have been given cars by the larger-than-life mogul.
In an impassioned plea last week, Buhlungu asked to join the ranks of these illustrious artistes, as he felt that a vehicle would also elevate him to similarly lofty heights.
What followed was interest in Buhlungu that he had not garnered since the release of his 2001 viral hit song, Dlala Ntethe.
However, this time, it was not Buhlungu’s guitar or quirky lyrics that were making the waves, but the public reaction to a request that had come from the unlikeliest of places.
Deep in his hut in rural Nkayi, the Chivayo bug seems to have bitten Buhlungu, who was suddenly at pains to inform the businessman that brand new set of wheels would change his life.
Soon after he made the plea, Facebook users camped on B-Metro’s comment section with their unfiltered opinions, turning it into a digital war-zone of culture, pride and compassion.
“I believe Wicknell will buy him a car… plus cash,” said one Butho Butho. That sentiment was echoed by Kudzie Kay-zee Zimwara who wrote, “There is nothing wrong about asking. SIKHOSANA deserves recognition and actually needs a car. I support him.”
Some were critical of Sikhosana, as they felt that he should not have extended the begging bowl because he was envious of what Chivayo had done for others.
“Risk at its own, we still love you Malume Sikhosana. Ncengisa ku yellow line, time will come,” said one Babby Ndlovu added with a touch of hope and humour.
Some were even more critical, as they felt that Sikhosana’s pleas flew in the face of known cultural traditions.
“Esintwini akukho lokhu. Sebenza ngezandla zakho bhudas. Ngcono uphiwe than asking in that manner.” Mthetheleli backed him up: “Liqiniso lelo Nduna. Isintu lo buntu akukho ukucela. Where is your pride as a man? Sucelana lezi mota?” said Nduna Nduna.
For some, it was not about the car, but the principle.
“Cela kuNkulunkulu, you are now worshipping Wicknell,” fumed Courax Dube, while Velie Ntunamo questioned the timing: “Ummm ay laze langixaka. Selifuna imali yabo selilamba kubi manje.”
Bongani Norman Masuku offered a spicy cultural twist, pointing out that one man should never ask for charity from another.
“Lafa elihle. . . indoda iguqa kwenye indoda. Zwana ndoda. Mnike umfazi akunike imota. Nothing for mahala.”
However, while some were critical of the request, a social media defence force that could rival the diligence and tenacity of Zimbabwe’s national army was soon assembled on Sikhosana’s behalf.
“Skhosana is a comedian come (sic) singer. He deserves a gift from the billionaire as well,”Bongani Ngwenya clapped back at critics.
Meanwhile, one user, Bulawayo Ndlovu, had the crowd laughing as he pointed out the lighter side of the request. “Mthengeleni phela lani kuyayangisa. Kumbe lani lifuna aze alibulale nge beat composer. Skhosi uthi ‘Bahlonipheki lani mazanka ngiceli mota yokulayisha inkomo zami.’”
And Bekeywise Nhlasi Mncube got poetic: “Nothing for mahala, but this man is humble and real.”
While fans had mobilised on his behalf, Buhlungu also spoke for himself, questioning the hypocrisy of people, who had applauded only a few days before when their beloved football club, Highlanders, had received hefty sponsorship from the mogul.
“Kanti mina yimi engisephutheni nxa ngicela.ingani nanti iqembu le sizwe lalo licelile laphiwa.Mina ngifelani manje pho. Imota laaaaaaaa ibhonge iqonde khonale ko mnyama ubambile. Ķumbe ngekele lizangithengela ma Ndebele?” he wrote on Facebook.
While that comment seemed to disarm some of his critics, others questioned the change in tone in Buhlungu’s social media posts.
Some have accused him of being rude and arrogant when responding to, who reprimand him for begging, given the fact that some members of the public had contributed handsomely when efforts to build a homestead and donate cows to him were being co-ordinated.
Others, however, were kinder to Sikhosana, pointing out that he had always been a comic character, who looked at the lighter side of life, hence his seemingly eccentric replies. To add to the comic nature of these latest exchanges, a close associate of Sikhosana, who is also based in Nkayi told B-Metro that the musician does not have a licence, which further complicated his pleas for a vehicle.
