Online Reporter
GLOWING tributes are pouring in for Star FM presenter Babongile ‘The Ndebele Rockstar’ Sikhonjwa.
He died on Sunday in Bulawayo.
He was 49.
Colleagues have been describing Babongile as a jovial individual and a unifier in the broadcasting fraternity.
He joined Star FM in 2023 as the host of The After-Drive show.
Fellow radio star, Phathisani Sibanda, said, “Words are not enough to express the pain I feel after Babongile’s death”.
He said he will always miss him and he will cherish the good moments they had together and he always considered him as part of his family.
We agree with Pathisani.
Losing a colleague is hard to bear and the sudden death of Babongile has left us in shock and poorer.
Another radio star, Tinashe Chikuse, said it was a massive loss for the broadcasting industry.
He said Babongile was a good colleague he will be missed in a very big way in the country’s entertainment industry.
Star FM presenter Danny Lunga, also known as DJ Danny, took to Facebook to share his grief.
What is quite clear is that Babongile was, indeed, a man of the people.
He was known for his humility and creative edge, which made him unique.
His employer, Star FM, said he “quickly became a cherished voice on our airwaves.
His passion, charisma and deep commitment to the creative arts made him not only a remarkable broadcaster but also a powerful advocate for Zimbabwe’s artistic community.”
We couldn’t agree more with them.
There is no question that Babongile still had a lot to offer to the entertainment industry in this country and we have sadly lost all of that.
He was someone who played a number of influential roles in our entertainment industry and did everything with a touch of distinction.
He was someone who let his work do the talking and that is a good asset to have.
He didn’t quote controversy, which is quite an achievement in an industry that is pregnant with controversy at every other turn.
He understood that he was a role model and he had to act in a manner which was consistent with his status.
In this age of social media, the likes and all, there are some people who now think that negativity is now part and parcel of how they can get followers into their camp.
But, the good guys like Babongile understood that he could still get the same crowd, and fan base, by just delivering quality content on his radio shows and in the other roles he played in our entertainment industry.
The industry has lost a key pillar.
His family has lost a father and, at Zimpapers, we have lost a colleague.
He was one of us and we felt lucky that he decided that his talents could be better expressed on Star FM where he touched the heavens with his good work.
We will miss you Babongile.
Rest in peace ‘The Ndebele Rockstar.’
