BULAWAYO gave comedian, popular MC and former Star FM DJ, Babongile Sikhonjwa, a massive send off, bidding farewell to his glittering world of fashion, music, and nightlife,
Sikhonjwa died suddenly last Sunday, sending shockwaves through the country.
He was 49. Sikhonjwa was buried at his rural Gwanda home yesterday and this funeral was attended by hundreds of people.
In a send-off as dynamic as the man himself, friends, fans and industry giants celebrated a life dedicated to rhythm, style and bringing people together at a funeral ceremony in Bulawayo.
Sikhonjwa, a fixture in the city's most exclusive clubs and a sought-after DJ for high-profile events, was remembered not just for his impeccable musical taste, but for his magnetic personality and generous spirit.
His memorial service, held at Amphitheatre, was a reflection of his life: filled with music, bold fashion and heartfelt tributes that oscillated between tears and laughter.
The atmosphere was more akin to a celebratory wake than a somber funeral.
A silent disco system played his most iconic sets during the procession, while guests were encouraged to wear vibrant colours or a touch of gold, his signature accent.
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His father, Nicholsa Moyo, revealed how his son was a people’s person.
“He loved us, but had a lot of controversies and requested to have his surname changed to Skhonjwa in order to preserve his grandfather’s name,” Moyo said.
“He brought many friends at home until I got annoyed, but there is one thing I always cautioned him on, speaking vulgar language.”
The founder of Black Umfolosi, Sotsha Moyo, echoed similar sentiments.
“He was a man full of energy and life,” he said.
“The Arts sector has lost a legend…”
Fellow DJ and long time friend, Tony Mthethwa, fought back tears as he spoke.
“He was not just behind the decks; he was the deck,” he said.
“He understood that his job wasn’t to just play songs, but to orchestrate joy, to heal hearts with a bassline, to make strangers become family on the dance floor,” Mthethwa.
“The dance floor was his sanctuary, and he was our high priest.
“The city’s night sky has lost one of its brightest stars.”
Comments from respected citizens highlighted Sikhonjwa’s significant role in the cultural and economic fabric of the city.
“Babongile was more than a socialite; he was a curator of cool,” Anathi Bulo, a renowned fashion designer, said.
Bulo credited him with supporting local talent. “
“When he wore a local designer, that brand would sell out the next day,” he said.
“He had an eye for talent and used his platform to lift others up. He believed that style was a language, and he spoke it fluently.”
He was given a State assisted funeral.
