Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
AS the nation continues to come to terms with the untimely passing of beloved media personality, socialite, artiste and businessman Babongile Sikhonjwa, his 12-year-old son, Qobolwakhe, has opened his heart about the immeasurable pain of losing the man he called not just “dad”, but his best friend.
It has been an especially difficult week for the young boy. Barely a day after his father’s death, Qobo had to summon the strength to sit for his Grade Seven examinations at Tennyson Hlabangana Primary School. Grief weighed heavily on his small shoulders, but he persevered — driven by the love and lessons his father had instilled in him. “He was my best friend, my everything… His death and leaving me here is really sad. There are just too many memories with him. He was always making me laugh. I’ll remember him forever and never forget,” Qobo told Zimpapers, speaking with the consent of his mother, Nanji-Taswa Banda.
He shared that when he was first told his father was no more, he was in disbelief — clinging to hope that he would see him the next day.
“I had that feeling that he was going to wake up. Then it slowly sank in — he was gone. I never thought this day would come, where I’d be making a speech for him. It’s just sad. I guess whatever happened, happened,” he said.
Just like everyone who had the privilege of experiencing his father’s vibrant spirit, Qobo echoed the same sentiment, saying:
“I remember that he was always happy, and there was never a dull moment with him. Anywhere I go, I’ll say, ‘my dad was here, he did this.’”
For a boy whose world revolved around his father’s laughter, warmth and presence, the void left behind feels too heavy to bear.
“Personally, I’m not taking this well. He caught me by surprise, and it’s been a real struggle for us as a family. My mum is grieving deeply, the whole family is — khulu, my aunt… there’s just too much grief. We keep telling ourselves that, in time, we’ll find some comfort because we’ll always have beautiful memories of him. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could have been done to save him,” Qobo continued.
The Ndebele Rockstar, as Sikhonjwa was affectionately known, died on Sunday morning at a friend’s house after being found unresponsive and later pronounced dead upon admission at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH). His death has left a deep wound in the arts industry across Zimbabwe. Tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues and friends, all echoing the same sentiment: Sikhonjwa was a rare soul who touched countless lives with his humour, creativity, generosity and passion for life.
For Qobo, though, it is the intimate, everyday memories that will forever linger.
“Only last week, my dad and I played a pool game. He beat me in the first round, I beat him in the second round and he beat me in the third. Always skilled and talented. A lot of talent, if I’m being honest.”
And there were so many moments like that — ordinary days that turned extraordinary simply because they shared them.
“Too many memories. I cannot even cry anymore. I remember one time… it was just a normal day, but he had planned so many things.”
Thanks to his father’s presence in the entertainment scene, Qobo had the rare privilege of meeting and spending time with most, if not all of the celebrities who came to perform in Bulawayo. From music legends like Oskido and Kabza De Small, to Amapiano star Eemoh, rapper Nasty C and DJ Stokie, to comedy power couple Carl Joshua Ncube and Nelsy and even the late Costa Titch — Qobo’s childhood was surrounded by stars, an experience he cherishes deeply.
During the recording, he told his mother that he had always known his father to be strong, no matter the circumstances, and he too, wanted to embody that same strength.
A true son of a rockstar, Qobo vowed to take over his dad’s legacy.
“I will do my best to carry on your legacy, to make sure people are not sad.”
As a parting shot, Qobo said: “This is from me, mdala. I will always, always love you, no matter what happens. Not even death can separate us. You are the best dad I could ever ask for. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I love you and I always will.”
The love between father and son mirrored the bond Sikhonjwa shared with his own father, Nicholas — one built on laughter, friendship and mutual respect. It was the same joy and closeness he poured into raising Qobo, born on February 10, 2013 at Northend Clinic in Bulawayo at 4am. That morning, Sikhonjwa was reportedly at the clinic gate long before visiting hours, pleading to be let in. He was the first person to hold his son when the doors finally opened at 6am.
From that day forward, the two were inseparable. Wherever Babongile went, Qobo was never far behind — his greatest supporter, companion and shadow.
