Bulawayo Businessman Omega Sibanda Urges Young Artistes to Remember Their Roots at Babongile Sikhonjwa Memorial

Bulawayo businessman and former legislator Omega Sibanda has called on young and emerging artistes to always acknowledge the people who helped them rise, during the memorial service for the late arts personality Babongile Sikhonjwa held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre last Friday.

Sibanda, who has invested in Bulawayo’s entertainment industry for over two decades through venues such as the New Windermere Hotel, River Dance Club, Club Alabama, and Archers Sports Club, praised Sikhonjwa for his humility and dedication.

“My word to young artistes today is simple: know where you come from. Babongile never forgot where his bread came from. I worked with him since the early 2000s, and he always acknowledged promoters, mentors, and colleagues who helped him rise,” Sibanda said. “Many artistes today develop big heads after being promoted and forget those behind their success. Babongile never did, and that’s a lesson for everyone.”

Sibanda highlighted Sikhonjwa’s pivotal role in shaping Bulawayo’s entertainment scene. He described him as the backbone of his shows and a driving force behind some of the city’s most memorable events. “Babongile complemented my life because he was not just a colleague; he was a partner in everything I did in showbiz. He worked with me at Windermere, River Dance, and Club Alabama, and honed his skills under Doc Mumbengegwi at Visions Nightclub,” he said.

During his early career, Sikhonjwa demonstrated a natural ability to engage audiences and manage entertainment operations. Sibanda recounted appointing him as entertainment manager at Windermere, which led to a successful collaboration that staged many sold-out events in the city.

“One of the highlights was in 2004 when we hosted Soul Brothers; it was a record show attended by Lovemore Majaivana and Albert Nyathi, thanks to Babongile’s dedication and connections,” Sibanda recalled. “He coordinated shows, handled logistics, and ensured that every event ran smoothly. He even managed after-parties for visiting South African artists like Oskido and Apple Seed without additional costs.”

Sibanda emphasized Sikhonjwa’s versatility across the entertainment spectrum. “He was part of the promoters, DJs, MCs, entertainers, and eventually became a comedian alongside Clive Chigubhu. Babongile believed in recognising people while they are alive, not just after they are gone. That is a lesson for young artistes today,” he said.

Sikhonjwa is remembered as a dynamic MC, DJ, radio personality, mentor, and cultural influencer whose work helped build Bulawayo’s vibrant arts and entertainment culture. Sibanda’s tribute reinforces the importance of humility, gratitude, and recognition within Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Sikhonjwa continues to inspire future generations.