Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO businessman and former legislator Omega Sibanda , who has invested in the city’s entertainment industry for more than two decades, has urged young and up-and-coming artistes to never forget the people behind their rise.
Sibanda, who ran some of Bulawayo’s popular joints including the New Windermere Hotel, River Dance Club, Club Alabama and now Archers Sports Club, made the remarks on the sidelines of a memorial service for the late arts personality, Babongile Sikhonjwa, held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre last Friday.
The businessman, who was also involved in the Zimbabwe Football Association where he served as vice president, is credited for providing a platform to a number of local and international acts including the world travelled Iyasa group, Soul Brothers of South Africa, among many other acts.
“My word to young artistes today is simple: know where you come from. Babongile was one person who never forgot where his bread came from. I worked with him since the early 2000s, and he always acknowledged the promoters, mentors and colleagues who helped him rise,” Sibanda said.
“Many artistes these days develop big heads after being promoted and forget those behind their success. Babongile never did and that’s a lesson for everyone.”
Sibanda emphasised the importance of humility, gratitude and recognition in the entertainment industry.
“Babongile was instrumental in making the city’s entertainment scene what it is today. He never forgot his roots, never disrespected colleagues, and always ensured that shows were executed perfectly. Young artistes must remember this. We (promoters and artistes) complement each other. We are not competitors; we build each other up.”
He described Sikhonjwa as the backbone of his shows and a driving force behind some of Bulawayo’s most memorable entertainment moments.
“I’m deeply hurt by Babongile Sikhonjwa’s death. The best guy is just gone. Babongile complemented my life because he was not just a colleague; he was a partner in everything I did in showbiz. He worked with me at the New Windermere Hotel, River Dance Club and Club Alabama.
“He also gained experience working under Doc Mumbengegwi at Visions Nightclub, honing his skills as an MC while deejaying there.”
It was during this formative period that Sikhonjwa’s natural ability to engage audiences and manage entertainment operations became evident.
“When he came to Windermere, he was performing as a singer, but through our conversations, I realised his real strength was in entertainment management. I appointed him as entertainment manager and from there, we never looked back,” Sibanda said.
Together, the duo staged some of Bulawayo’s most successful events, with many selling out year after year and firmly establishing the city as a hub for live entertainment.
“We organised show after show, most of them selling out. One of the highlights was in 2004 when we hosted Soul Brothers; it was a record show. Even Lovemore Majaivana and Albert Nyathi attended, all thanks to Babongile’s dedication and connections.
“Babongile was handling the entertainment desk, co-ordinating everything. He ended up doubling co-ordinating shows for both Visions and Windermere, where River Dance was located,” Sibanda recalled.
Sibanda recounted specific examples of Sikhonjwa’s ingenuity and commitment to entertainment.
“During that time, Doc Mumbengegwi used to engage the likes of Oskido and Apple Seed, powerful artistes based in South Africa. Babongile would say to me: ‘Don’t worry Omz, we don’t need to pay them, I’ll bring them before the show so we can arrange for an after-party’.
“At Visions, he ensured they started performing at 2:30am or 3am, and they would still pack our place during after-parties.”
Sibanda also highlighted Sikhonjwa’s versatility across the entertainment spectrum.
“One thing to note about Babongile is that he was part of the promoters, DJs, MCs, entertainers, he was everything, until eventually he became a comedian alongside Clive Chigubhu. I enjoyed that.
“In his speech when we were burying Chigubhu, he said: ‘I hate it when we artistes, referring to himself and fellow comedians, are ignored. When someone dies, people post about them, but when they are alive, they get no recognition.’
“The same applies to Babongile now”.
“Social media is awash with tributes, pictures, and videos of him, but the lesson remains: recognise those people while they are alive.”
Sikhonjwa, remembered as a dynamic MC, DJ, radio personality, mentor, and cultural influence, continues to be celebrated for the pivotal role he played in building Bulawayo’s vibrant arts and entertainment culture.
