Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Performer Madlela Sikhobokhobo has revealed that he had enough time to say goodbye to his friend Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, who died in a car accident on October 10, when the vehicle he was travelling in, from Harare to Bulawayo, collided with an elephant near Shangani.
The two were lead actors on Zwelethu — a 1996 theatre production written by Mike Sabiko, which was re-imagined for today’s audience by Sabela Music Projects. The play was presented in September at the 50 Dates at the Theatre curated by Saimon Mambazo Phiri.
In the play, Madlela Sikhobokhobo played King Sahoho, while the late Moyoxide played Prince Jahana, the son of Sahoho.
Set in the fictional African kingdom of Kwandlala, Zwelethu delves into universal themes of power and legacy.
It was driven by the energy of Prince Jahana (Moyoxide), who longed to assume his rightful place on the throne from his ailing father, King Sahoho (Madlela).
According to Madlela, the play brought him much closer to Moyoxide, affording him so much time to say goodbye to a friend he met while at Manama High School from 1993 to 1996.
“Moyoxide was my best friend from school and together we were vibrant as we were part of the school’s drama club since Form One.
“So, when Mambazo called to say he needed me on Zwelethu alongside Desire, I jumped at the opportunity.
“I believe God spiritually used Mambazo, through his idea (of Zwelethu) as the play afforded us an opportunity to say goodbye to each other in a way we both understood. I said goodbye to him together with Sabelo, who was also part of our group growing up. It was indeed a special moment,” said Madlela.
On Moyoxide’s last days, Madlela said they connected so much during rehearsals as they would chew nostalgic bones at the same time guiding young thespians, who were recruited to be part of the cast of Zwelethu.
Madlela described Moyoxide as a talented actor who inspired the cast as he delivered his character with passion.
“Moyoxide was the star of the show, playing the main character. He had spent almost over 10 years without performing in theatre, but his comeback was massive. It was as if he knew it was his last show.
“We performed Zwelethu four times at the 50 Dates at the Theatre, and from day one, Moyoxide roared like a lion. I was so proud of him for delivering that character very well. I even told him he needs to consider coming back to the stage as an actor,” said Madlela.
Sikhobokhobo said he will remember Moyoxide through the beautiful moments they shared from high school, through to their professional phase.
He said he admires Moyoxide’s bravery as he was a voice for the voiceless.
Meanwhile, one of the organisers of Moyoxide’s memorial and funeral service Mambazo Phiri, has revealed that Moyoxide will be buried on Thursday.
“Moyoxide will be buried on Thursday here in Bulawayo. As he was a distinguished leader within the arts sector, we are pushing for him to be buried at Lady Stanley cemetery.
“More updates will be made as time progresses,” said Mambazo.
Bongani Ndlovu