I will always be indebted to Cont: Cde Phil

Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent

KHULUMANI FM radio host Philip Moyo, better known as Cde Phil, says Cont Mhlanga left a huge void in his heart.

The ever-jovial radio personality, a product of Mhlanga’s Amakhosi theatre spoke about how the late arts doyen shaped him and developed him from the ground up to where he is today.

“Cont Mhlanga was a legend and still is a legend who had an eye to identify talent. I’m a product of Amakhosi theatre and I’m a well-known MC today as a result of Mhlanga,” Cde Phil said. 

“I used to be a poet in 2007 when I had my first encounter with Mhlanga. He was the man who encouraged me by telling me that I had the potential to stand in front of people when I doubted myself. He told me that I had the potential to be whatever I wanted in life. 

“He gave me an opportunity in 2008 on Dreams to Fame (a talent search programme) as a host and boom, that led to my rise. From 2009 to 2011, we worked on a production called Inyaminyami and I was one of the actors. The joy of being directed by a legend like Mhlanga was just out of this world,” he said. 

Cde Phil said his vocal strength was identified by the late arts guru.

“I give it all to Mhlanga because my talent in everything was identified by him. He played a pivotal role in nurturing and giving me confidence and today, I’m so high and doing great. 

“It hasn’t been easy and I’m still trying to grasp everything about his death and trying to understand who’s going to fill in his gap. Alongside Thulani Mbambo, Mhlanga shaped me to be who I am. I’ll forever be indebted to Cont Mhlanga for the opportunity that he gave me from Dreams to Fame to Plays on Sunday to Nyaminyami; these were eye-openers.

“I’ll never forget that man, I’ll remember him for my lifetime.”

Up to the time of his death, Cde Phil said Mhlanga was still nurturing him.

“Even after I joined ZBC, he continued communicating with me. He’d call me and we’d talk for as long as an hour. He would listen to my shows and give me feedback. He would tell me to improve or keep it up on some things, that’s how much of an icon he was to me. He loved everyone and was loved by everyone. Most of the people in the arts sector are what they are today because of uMhlanga,” said Cde Phil.

Cont Mhlanga succumbed to pneumonia on August 1 this year. – @SeehYvonne