Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
After a series of near misses in love, comedian “Chik Aljoy,” born Aljoy Anesu Chikowo, has finally found his soulmate. Over the weekend, he took a significant step in his relationship with Gugulethu “Answered Prayer” Moyo by paying lobola, solidifying their bond after two years of dating.
“I’m over the moon and above all, I’m at peace,” he said.
“I knew I would marry her the second I saw her. I didn’t even use fancy punch lines when approaching her; I simply told her that she is my wife, and I will marry her.”
The lobola payment process, which was held in South Africa, however, was not without its challenges. Initially, Chik Aljoy had planned to propose in December but was advised by Gugulethu’s sister, Sandra, to seek the blessing of the uncles first.
“Instead of just getting the blessings, I decided to go ahead with the lobola since I was planning to do it soon after,” he explained.
The couple faced an unexpected scare just days before the lobola ceremony when Gugulethu collapsed and sustained fractures.
“We had to rush her to the hospital, and after all the tests, doctors couldn’t find the cause,” he recalled.
This incident deepened his resolve to commit spiritually, recognising the weight of marriage as a significant life decision.
Chik Aljoy and Gugulethu’s love story began at Samas in Yeoville, where Chik was originally set to meet another girl for a date.
“I saw her and in that moment, I knew she was the one,” he recounted.
After a brief interaction filled with chemistry, they began talking and the rest, as they say, is history.
Despite his comedic background, Chik Aljoy admitted that humour was absent during the lobola negotiations.
“I was nervous and shaking the whole time,” he confessed.
The unexpected highlight of the day was locking eyes with his mother-in-law, which brought a smile to his face, reflecting the joy of the moment.
Now that he has paid lobola, the comedian/actor/ventriloquist feels a profound sense of accomplishment.
“Besides feeling like a real man, I am just happy that I am choosing to do this life thing with the most humble, respectful, faithful, beautiful woman on earth,” he said.
As a comedian, Chik Aljoy often jokes about marriage and relationships, but he acknowledges that his material will evolve.
“Definitely my comedy material will change; in fact, watch out,” he teased.
In this month of love, he has a message for couples: “Respect one another and always learn to love yourself so that it can be easy to love your partner.”
For those men preparing for their lobola journey, Chik Aljoy advises, “Pray about it and give it to God first.”
As for the wedding date, while it’s on the horizon, he said that it is not their immediate focus.
“The wedding is definitely coming, but it’s not really our next goal.” —@MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu