Zimbabwe Mourns Sikhonjwa
Zimbabwe’s arts and broadcasting community is mourning the death of Babongile Sikhonjwa, a vibrant broadcaster, comedian, actor, and arts promoter whose infectious personality made him a household name. Sikhonjwa passed away yesterday at the age of 49 after being rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
His career spanned over a decade, beginning as a pioneering presenter at Bulawayo’s Skyz Metro FM, where his sharp wit and humor won him loyal listeners. In 2023, he joined Star FM as host of The After-Drive, immediately endearing himself to audiences with his passion and charisma. Star FM described him as more than a presenter, calling him a mentor and powerful advocate for Zimbabwe’s creative industry.
In a statement, Star FM noted: “Babongile joined the Star FM family in 2023 as host of The After Drive and quickly became a cherished voice on our airwaves. His passion, charisma, and deep commitment to the creative arts made him not only a remarkable broadcaster but also a powerful advocate for Zimbabwe’s artistic community.”
True to his Bulawayo roots, Sikhonjwa dedicated much of his career to uplifting emerging talent. He used his platforms to profile upcoming artists, helping launch the careers of DJ Skaiva, Mzoe 7, Tebza, producer Phanas, Mzistozz Mfanafuthi, Guluva 7, and the late Clive Chigubu and Calvin. His contributions to nurturing local talent remain one of his most enduring legacies.
Sikhonjwa’s impact went beyond radio. He was a multi-talented entertainer who excelled as a comedian and actor, appearing in the 2014 production Mr Perfect and in Soulmate, which premiered on ZTN Prime in 2022. A qualified sound engineer, he was also active as a music and events promoter, providing platforms that helped shape Bulawayo’s arts scene.
His work earned national recognition, including a NAMA award for Outstanding Radio Presenter in 2019.
Tributes have poured in from across Zimbabwe. Broadcasters, colleagues, and artists remembered him as a unifier with a jovial spirit. Phathisani Sibanda said, “Words aren’t enough to express the pain I feel after Babongile’s death. He was always jovial and a unifier in broadcasting circles. To me, he was more than a colleague; he was family.”
Fellow presenter Tinashe Chikuse described the loss as devastating for the broadcasting fraternity, while DJ Danny Lunga shared a short but emotional message: “Babongile, why, why, why?”
Comedy industry colleagues also reflected on his life. Dumisani “MaForty” Ndlovu, director of KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival, recalled Sikhonjwa as a reliable and hilarious personality who always delivered. Ntando Van Moyo of Umahlekisa Comedy Club described him as a brother and associate in comedy, saying, “The Ndebele Rockstar was ever jovial, he never shied away from lending a hand.”
Sikhonjwa’s death leaves a void in Zimbabwe’s broadcasting and arts community. His energy, humor, and dedication to promoting talent will be remembered by those who worked with him and the audiences he entertained.
He built a career that blended laughter, mentorship, and advocacy, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of creatives in Zimbabwe and beyond.
