Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
AS millions around the world marked the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death three weeks ago, the moment carried deeper meaning for Sikhumbuzo Sigola.
In Bulawayo, Sigola has become a familiar figure, captivating crowds at events and ceremonies with his electrifying impersonation of the King of Pop.
Clad in a signature black fedora, a flowing mane of hair and a sleek black leather jacket, Sigola evokes the image of Jackson himself—a ghostly reincarnation moonwalking through the streets of the city. Whether dazzling wedding guests or entertaining businesspeople at trade showcases, he exudes the same blend of talent, charisma and confidence that made MJ a global icon.
But for Sigola, who performs under the stage name “Skhumz Moonwalker”, this is more than a performance. It’s a lifestyle — an act of devotion. His tribute to Jackson is also deeply personal: a portal through which he reconnects with the memory of loved ones he has lost.
That’s why every year, when the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing comes around, Sigola finds himself grieving not just for his idol — the mentor he never met — but also for the people whose absence continues to shape his journey.
Like father like son
Skhumz, who started dancing during a talent show held at Lobengula Secondary School, told Sunday Life that he had become a fan of Michael Jackson due to the influence of his late parents, who were diehard fans of the late King of Pop.
“I started doing my Michael Jackson impression in 2007 at Lobengula Secondary School. I was inspired by my late father, an excellent dancer, just like his father before him. I started doing this as a hobby. I was just playing around, then later on, I realised that this could be a career,” he said.
While Bulawayo has an impressive legion of Michael Jackson impersonators, who all take after the late pop idol for their own reasons, for Skhumz, impersonating dancing has become a way to stay close to his late parents, both of whom adored the Thriller hitmaker.
“My father was inspired by MJ, but he did not dance like him. What made me attached to MJ was that my father and mother were both obsessed with his music. In all my father’s pictures, you’d see him wearing white socks and moccasins, just like MJ used to. Unfortunately, he did not pursue dancing as a career because he was just an ordinary businessman, working in an office. He danced just for fun,” he said.
For Skhumz, dancing is a birthright, a craft that he has been encouraged to nurture by those closest to him. In his family, Michael Jackson is not just another musician. He is a legend, who he feels that his family shares a deep connection with.
“When my parents passed on, I was left with my grandfather and grandmother. My grandfather motivated and encouraged me a lot when I was starting and I kept on doing this until I reached greater heights…I want to keep on doing it because I want the next generation to know that there was an artiste known as MJ. He is a legend to the world, but he is also my family’s legend,” he said.
However, the life of a Michael Jackson impersonator is not an easy one. While dancing brings him joy and food on the table, Skhumz faces criticism from some, who feel that what he does lacks originality. While other artistes can perform songs and dances made by yesteryear greats, Jackson impersonators are held to a different standard.
Perhaps this is because some think they live in a dead man’s skin, imitating his moves and mannerisms in a way that reminds the world just how big a talent he was. They cannot shed Jackson’s skin when they walk off stage. Every part of their lives becomes associated with him.
“Some people look at me a certain way because of what I do. Some have nothing good to say about my work and on social media, I get bullied by some people. Of course, we get support from some fans, but others are always questioning why I am doing this. ‘Why are you doing this, MJ thing? Why aren’t you doing your own thing? I think they don’t understand that I am doing this to further the legacy of an artist I love. Some do pansula dance while others do isitshikitsha and I don’t ever see anyone questioning their originality. These guys are dancing to songs that aren’t theirs, and they are exhibiting their dance in a style that they didn’t bring into the world. I chose to dance MJ’s style, and few people can do that. I choose to stick to this because it’s taking me places and putting food on the table,” Skhumz told Sunday Life.
The wounded showman
For David Lungile Ncube, dancing is more than a hobby or a profession. It has always been a support pillar, propping him up during some of the hardest moments of his life.
“Dancing can be a way of relieving stress. When I used to go through depression, dancing was what saved me. It helped me because when I practiced, I felt really happy and during those workouts, I would forget all my struggles and become a different person. This is because it was something that I loved,” he told Sunday Life in an interview.
In Bulawayo, Ncube is widely known as MJ, the ever-smiling movie buff, who for years enthralled people with his moves during events. Few know his real name.
“While attending a wedding in Hwange in 1999 and I realised that the people were bored. The MCs in those days weren’t as effective as the ones that we see in weddings nowadays, so the crowd was idle. I saw an opportunity. I thought I could occupy that time. Everything started from there for me,” he said.
For the last few years, however, MJ the dancer has taken a back seat. Six years ago, the performer was hit by a car while walking the streets of Bulawayo. After seven months in hospital, he was not the same man when he walked out.
For the first time in his life, he could not connect with Michael Jackson. He was no longer a medium that could channel the spirit of a man who enthralled so many around the world in his lifetime. The one thing that brought him peace, calm and happiness had been taken away from him.
“Unfortunately, I had an accident six years ago, and I had to stop dancing. I was hit by a car and I was in the hospital for seven months and after that I had to stop dancing,” he said.
MJ can count on one finger the number of times he has danced in front of an audience in the last few years.
“Three years ago, I entered a competition and amazingly, I managed to win. It just shows that no matter how old one might be, they still have a chance to pursue their passion. If it’s in you, then it’s in you. This is your god given talent.
A month ago, I was asked to perform at a wedding, and I did. It looks like they enjoyed it, so I give credit to God for instilling that drive in me despite what happened in the past,” he said.
As he gets older and reflects on his career, MJ said that young Michael Jackson impersonators should be wary of people who want to take advantage of a talent that some regard as a mere hobby.
“You need to get a manager, who has your best interests at heart. You also need to use your money wisely. Whatever you get, save for the future. I used to get money and I saved a lot. Through my dancing, I managed to pay my lobola.
“It’s important to know your worth because if you’re doing this, some people would like to take advantage of you. When they look at you, they think you’re desperate and they think you want fame, so they try to take advantage of that. It’s not about fame or popularity,” he said.
While he has not yet given up on his own career, the man who became fascinated with Michael Jackson after he saw the Billie Jean video, admitted that he was still haunted by opportunities not taken while he was in his prime.
“My main weakness was that I let a lot of opportunities slip. I blame myself for that and not anyone else. There were a lot of opportunities that came to me, but at the time, I didn’t properly utilise them because of fear. Fear kills a lot of us,” he said.
Londile Moyo