Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
Sihlangu Dlodlo was a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s arts industry, known for his golden touch and dedication to grooming the country’s top talent. As an arts administrator and football enthusiast, he helped shape the careers of numerous renowned artistes, including Raisedon Baya, Nkululeko Dube and Nkwali, nurturing them into Zimbabwe’s celebrated instrumentalists, actors, actresses and arts administrators.
Chronicle Showbiz spoke to youthful artistes who had the privilege of working with the late Dlodlo, and they shared how he left a lasting impact on their lives and careers.
Prince Joel Nyoni, a music director and keyboardist, collaborated with Dlodlo on the “Queen Lozikeyi” project, where Dlodlo served as chairperson of the Queen Lozikeyi Trust. Nyoni recalled how Dlodlo’s teachings helped them understand Queen Lozikeyi’s legacy and inspired them to deliver a memorable performance.
“I worked with Dlodlo on Songs of Queen Lozikeyi during the Bulawayo Arts Festival in 2021, which was attended by President Mnangagwa. His insights into Lozikeyi’s legacy deepened our understanding and this enriched our performance.
Dlodlo was straightforward and shared invaluable knowledge,” said Nyoni.
Qeqeshiwe Mntambo, popularly known as Qeqe, was cast in the lead role of Stitsha in 2013, a play directed and co-written by Dlodlo. Playing the character Thuli, originally portrayed by the late Beater Mangete, Qeqe described her experience as transformative.
“I worked with Dlodlo on the stage play Stitsha, which he directed and co-wrote in 2013 with Memory Kumbota and Matesu Dube. I took on the lead role of Thuli, originally played by the late Beater Mangete. It was a daunting role for me – I was young and scared – but Dlodlo pushed me to my limits, and my acting career blossomed because of him.
“I’ll always be grateful for his enormous impact on my life and career. He believed in me more than I believed in myself. I called him Tata, and he called me “daughter”, treating me like family. I’ll forever miss his infectious laugh, his silly jokes and the birthday cakes he’d bring us,” shared Qeqe.
Javas, a social media influencer who contributed to Bulawayo Chief’s reputation as “Twitter Kings”, was inspired by Dlodlo to pursue arts administration. He recalled Dlodlo’s constant support and encouragement for young artists in Bulawayo.
“We are a new generation of artists who entered the scene during the last phase of Amakhosi’s dominance, a time when Amakhosi artists were our role models. I transitioned into arts administration early and Dlodlo was someone we could always count on to show up and support. His presence at every event around the city was both motivating and exciting for us young artists,” said Javas.
“Most importantly, Dlodlo was incredibly encouraging when we wanted to blend our arts with football on social media.”
Javas shared that his last interaction with Dlodlo was on Saturday while watching football together at the Highlanders Club House.
Lubelihle Banda, host of The Lubelihle Banda Show, spoke of Dlodlo’s influence on her family. She noted that Dlodlo played a pivotal role in her mother’s life, fostering her interest in the arts from her days at Manama High School to the University of Zimbabwe.
“My mother introduced me to Dlodlo in 2013 and since then, he had been a mentor. It’s his time to rest, and I’m grateful he enjoyed his last days. Let’s celebrate him and honour his legacy,” said Banda.
Dlodlo acted in school plays and later joined Amakhosi Theatre, where he went on to write and direct numerous productions. In recent years, he founded Sailor’s Hope Theatre in Bubi, a youth arts group he described as a “beacon of hope for the future of rural artists”. — @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter