Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The late Babongile Sikhonjwa didn’t just follow the rhythm of Bulawayo’s entertainment scene — he helped redefine it.
With a distinctive approach shaped by international exposure and a flair for innovation, Sikhonjwa brought a polished, globally inspired energy to local showbiz, setting new standards and reshaping the city’s nightlife culture.
After spending several years in the United Kingdom, Sikhonjwa returned home in 1999 with a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience in events management and nightclub operations.
With re-entry into the UK no longer an option, he turned his focus to the local showbiz industry, bringing with him a flair and professionalism that set him apart from his peers in Bulawayo.
Veteran DJ Joe Tha OG, a seasoned figure in Bulawayo’s nightlife who has witnessed its highs and lows, credits Sikhonjwa as a key player in energising the city’s entertainment scene.
He said Sikhonjwa’s first local job was at the then-vibrant Visions Night Club, where he was hired as a marketing consultant.
“I knew Sikhonjwa when we were still kids. We met at Milton High School at a teenage competition. He was a rapper who was a Ndebele lyrical venom. On the other hand, I was a dancer.
“So, when he returned from the UK, he found me already in the game as I was working as a DJ at Visions. He had worked on an album, and he gave it to me to play. With time, he later got a slot to perform at the club.
“One thing about Sikhonjwa was that he was calculative. He knew what he really wanted. So, when he became a regular performer at Visions, he convinced management to hire him as a marketing consultant, an area where he was a genius,” said Joe Tha OG.
The Ndebele Rock Star, as Sikhonjwa was affectionately known, brought revolution to the way things were done at Visions and the city of Kings. He introduced major holiday events, which were mostly headlined by South African artistes.
“One thing that one cannot take away from Sikhonjwa is his massive connection with South African big names. Through his connections, Visions would bring names like the Sister Betina hit-maker Mgarimbe at his prime, Pitch Black Afro, DJ Sbu, DJ Tira before he was even known, as well as Oskido, among others.
“To have South African artistes coming for gigs in Bulawayo, like how the situation is even now, is Sikhonjwa’s legacy. He is the one who opened this market and then other players followed later. That is why in every show headlined by Mzansi acts, Sikhonjwa was always in the mix. That’s how big he was,” said Joe Tha OG.
After spending a couple of years at Visions, Sikhonjwa left the club and challenged himself. In 2009, together with the late DJ Guns, they revived the Ballers League, which was created in 2004.
“Sikhonjwa and Guns were the front players of the Ballers League, which established sessions for DJs who visited numerous clubs just to play good music, just like what House in CBD guys are doing. That kind of movement is also Sikhonjwa’s legacy, though the templates may be different.
“Joining the Ballers League as wheel spinners were the UK-based DJ Simmy, Beaster, Kead Weaked, as well as Kananjo. This movement had a stint in clubs like Paparazzi, Kudu Bar and later on moved to Bar La Bar La,” said Joe Tha OG.
When Visions was almost collapsing, the Ballers League utilised the opportunity and strengthened their hold in the Bulawayo nightlife scene as they turned Kudu Bar to become the hottest and vibrant spot in the city.
DJ Kananjo, who was part of the Ballers League, remembers how they brought vibes at Kudu Bar as a collective.
“I joined the Ballers League in 2009, a year after its formation. I had known Sikhonjwa way before, while I was working as a sound engineer at Providence Events. I would meet Sikhonjwa at work as he was a master of ceremony at most of our functions.
“When I lost my job, Sikhonjwa took me under his wing, and I joined the ensemble as a sound engineer. I think what made Ballers League different is that we brought fresh style and entertainment in Bulawayo, which was missing in the nightlife,” said DJ Kananjo.
He said he is an accomplished DJ because of Sikhonjwa.
“When I became part of the clan, I couldn’t just do sound engineering. Sikhonjwa encouraged me to learn one or two things about deejaying, and he taught me all the ropes needed in the craft. I owe a lot to that guy,” said Kananjo.
According to music promoter Mduduzi Mdlongwa, Sikhonjwa was among the think tanks of the historic Kalawa Jazmee’s homecoming party, a sign that he was good at collaboration as well as providing entertainment.
Mdlongwa said Sikhonjwa was a genius when it came to planning and conceptualising events, but when it was time to take action, he was nowhere to be seen.
“Sikhonjwa always wanted to do things differently. I remember some time when we hosted a train party, we advertised the gig without paying the full money to hire the train.
“When the day arrived, people came and got their seats on the train and were ready for the party to begin. When officials asked for their money before we left, Sikhonjwa, who was the rightful person to pay, was nowhere to be seen. We had to convince the authorities that we would pay later and we did just that.
“Again, when we planned his birthday party at Richmond, Sikhonjwa ran away on his special day and I was left alone once more, to decorate the place, only for him to come back later, dead drunk. That’s how unorganised Sikhonjwa was sometimes,” said Mdlongwa.
Around 2012, Sikhonjwa would meet with businessman Biggie Chinoperekwei, who runs numerous entertainment spots, and they became business partners for over 10 years.
“I met Sikhonjwa around 2012 when I came to invest in Bulawayo. Because of his strong profile in the entertainment industry, I first hired him as an area representative. When I gained his loyalty, I later ceded a little shareholding to him.
“Together we ran many projects, including Hlabangana and the famous Red Café. To work with him for over 10 years is probably the longest he has spent at one place, knowing his nomadic lifestyle as you would expect from an entertainment person,” said Chinoperekwei.
He said he enjoyed working with Sikhonjwa because he was so good at his art. They complemented each other, with Sikhonjwa being the face of everything and him in the background.
Chinoperekwei said Sikhonjwa did the extraordinary in the growth of the arts scene in Bulawayo, as he was very accommodating to young creatives. He introduced various bands to perform at Red Café every day.
“It’s going to be so hard to replace him because his touch was different, and I don’t see Red Café ever the same without him. I urge Bulawayo to continue supporting that place in his honour or nominate someone to continue with the good work Sikhonjwa was doing,” he said.
By the time of his death, Sikhonjwa had forged a relationship with businessman Pathisani Nkomo as they sometimes joined forces in bringing in South African acts to Bulawayo.
Nkomo said Sikhonjwa was dedicated to his craft and he always thrived for success.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Bubbles, who was a brilliant comedian, charismatic MC, passionate advocate for Ndebele culture, and talented entertainer. His infectious energy, creativity, and dedication to the showbiz industry inspired countless lives.
“As a gifted radio presenter, he shared his passion with the world, leaving an indelible mark on our community. We celebrate his life, legacy, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. He was a game changer and greatly contributed to the growth of the night-life in Bulawayo,” said Nkomo
