Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
South African DJ and radio personality DJ Fresh has remembered his late friend Babongile Sikhonjwa as a patient, genuine and passionate individual who deeply respected the entertainment craft and always put others before himself.
Sikhonjwa, one of Bulawayo’s most beloved media personalities and arts promoters, passed away on September 21 at the age of 49. He was buried on September 27 at his rural home in Mlowezi Village, Gwanda.
Reflecting on their friendship, DJ Fresh, real name Thato Sikwane, said his bond with Sikhonjwa began nearly two decades ago, when they met during one of his scheduled performances at Visions Night Club in Bulawayo, where Sikhonjwa was working as a marketing consultant.
“Our friendship started almost 20 years ago. I first met Babongile when I was billed to perform at Visions. From day one, he was the kind of person who made sure everything went smoothly and that I felt at home,” said DJ Fresh.
One particular memory from those early days remains etched in DJ Fresh’s mind, a night in the mid-2000s when he almost missed a show in Bulawayo.
“I remember there was a time, around 2006 or 2007, when my wife and I had a hectic Friday night and barely slept. We were supposed to catch a flight to Bulawayo the next morning, but we fell asleep in the car at the gate and missed it. I had never missed a gig in my life, so I knew I had to find a solution,” he recalled.
That solution came from Sikhonjwa.
“He came up with the idea that I should drive to Zimbabwe instead. I told my wife, ‘We’re driving to Bulawayo’. At that time, I didn’t even know I needed certain documents to cross the Beitbridge border with my car,” said DJ Fresh.
Despite the unexpected complications, the plan worked.
“We packed up, hit the road, and Babongile promised to meet me on the Zimbabwean side of the border. I remember crossing on foot, walking across that bridge, and there he was, waiting patiently. Even though we were delayed, the show still went on,” he said.
The experience taught DJ Fresh a lot about Sikhonjwa’s character, his dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to making sure things worked out.
“That was the moment I realised what kind of person he was, someone who would go out of his way for people, even those he hardly knew. That’s rare,” DJ Fresh reflected.
From that first encounter, a strong friendship blossomed, one that lasted for nearly 20 years and left an indelible mark on DJ Fresh’s life.
