Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The curtain has come down on the life of one of Bulawayo’s most vibrant and beloved personalities, Babongile Sikhonjwa, who was buried on Saturday at his ancestral home in Mlowezi Village, Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
Known affectionately as The Ndebele Rock Star, Sikhonjwa died on September 21 at the age of 49. He left behind two children, Gugulethu and Qobolwethu, and a legacy that will forever shape Zimbabwe’s arts, media, and entertainment landscape.
The farewell began on Friday with a memorial service at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, where thousands, from family, industry peers and celebrities to fans and ordinary citizens, gathered to celebrate the life of a man who had become a household name.
After the memorial, a convoy, led by the hearse and joined by two buses and about 15 cars, made the 86km journey to Mlowezi, where Sikhonjwa was to be laid to rest.
On the eve of the burial, hundreds of people gathered at the Sikhonjwa homestead. The atmosphere was a celebration of life rather than mourning, filled with music, dance, laughter and stories. Friends and supporters, including Highlanders FC fans, media personalities, business leaders, and loyal patrons from Red Café, where Sikhonjwa once worked, all turned up to honour him in the way he lived — joyfully and vibrantly.
As dawn broke on Saturday, the village was awash with mourners who had travelled from across the country, and some from the diaspora, to pay their final respects. The burial service began at 9am, drawing an extraordinary turnout that reflected the deep imprint Sikhonjwa had left on many lives.
From the emotional tributes, one thing was clear: Sikhonjwa was a people’s person.
“I’m shocked by the number of people I see here today. There are people from all walks of life, including those who travelled from abroad, to say goodbye to my son. Babongile was a unifier, and I’m sure he’s happy and content seeing all of you here,” said his father, Nicholas Moyo.
Moyo, a former master of ceremonies, shared that his son had inherited many of his traits.
“My son took a lot from me. I believe when I was on stage as an MC, he was watching and taking notes. He perfected the craft and connected with so many people. I’ll miss him dearly,” he said.
Sikhonjwa’s brother, Badumisile Moyo, described him as more than a sibling, a confidant and best friend.
“He was someone I could talk to about anything. Now that he’s gone, I have no one to share jokes and laughter with.
My brother lived life on his terms, and I hope he’s in a better place,” he said.
His daughter Gugulethu paid a moving tribute, sharing a life lesson her father taught her.
“My father taught me patience. He gave me a garden and encouraged me to plant and look after it. He said watching the plants grow would teach me hope and patience. I love my dad, and he’ll always remain close to my heart,” she said.
At the time of his death, Sikhonjwa was a presenter at Star FM, where he was instrumental in expanding the station’s reach in Bulawayo.
Steve Vickers, the head of programming and sports, described him as a “game changer”.
“Sikhonjwa brought Star FM to Bulawayo and helped us gain more listeners. He discovered and promoted many talents by giving them airtime and interviews. Star FM will never be the same without him, he is irreplaceable,” said Vickers.
Business partner Biggie Chinoperekwei, with whom Sikhonjwa co-ran the popular Red Café, was among the mourners and said it will be difficult to find someone to fill his shoes. Together, the two also managed the Hlabangana Lounge.
“Babongile was my business partner for over 10 years, serving as my area representative and go-between for all matters concerning Bulawayo. He was the one who showed me around and introduced me to the city’s culture.
During those years, we spoke virtually every day. He was exceptional at what he did, and we complemented each other well, he was the face of everything, while I worked in the background.
“Now that he’s gone, I have no one to help cover my weaknesses. It’s going to be extremely difficult to replace him, and I don’t see Red Café ever being the same without Babongile,” said Chinoperekwei.
Close friend and fellow broadcaster Benkosi “B-Kay” Maphosa said the entertainment industry had lost a giant.
“I was honoured to MC both his memorial and burial. Sikhonjwa and I shared so many moments, even at my wedding, he refused to MC because he wanted to have fun like everyone else. He lived an honest, joyful life, and I know he’s smiling down on us today,” said B-Kay.
After the burial, friends and family honoured Sikhonjwa’s memory in true “Bubbles” fashion, with food, drinks, laughter, and heartfelt conversations, just as he would have wanted. True to the kind of man he was, the after-tears gathering became more than just a farewell; it turned into a vibrant networking platform where people connected, shared stories, and reminisced about the unforgettable moments they had with the late Sikhonjwa.
Although the curtain has closed on his earthly journey, Babongile Sikhonjwa’s legacy will continue to echo through the radio waves, the stages he graced, and the hearts of those he touched.
