In the great beyond, I bet Babongile Sikhonjwa is hosting the ultimate party. Joining in is Clive Chigubu with his infectious laughter, King Cal_Vin’s smooth flow, and Ishu “Litshe” Muvingi’s mesmerising dance moves.
But not everyone is there to join the fun. Over on the sidelines, Cont Mhlanga and Pathisa Nyathi stand, trying to rein in the merriment with solemn lectures, just as they always did.
They are the guardians of tradition, the voices of reason in a place of eternal celebration.
And caught between these two worlds is Sihlangu Dlodlo.
He stands at the crossroads, a conflicted soul.
He is torn between the joyous, vibrant energy of the party animals and the dignified wisdom of the elders.
He is not sure which side of the afterlife to choose — the dance floor or the lecture hall.
This could be a current setup at the great beyond, where many arts practitioners from Bulawayo have been promoted to, leaving stages abandoned, and sounds nolonger playing.
- Babongile Sikhonjwa blasts Byo City Council
- How Cont gave birth to Clive
- Comedian Clive Chigubu burial today
- Babongile Sikhonjwa blasts Byo City Council
Keep Reading
The passing of these titans has left the stages of Bulawayo abandoned and the vibrant sounds muted, but their collective spirit is now hosting the ultimate cultural gathering in the afterlife.
The celestial landscape is divided into two factions, showcasing the duality of the city’s heart — the party and the lecture hall.
Babongile’s journey began in Bulawayo, a city he loved and championed throughout his life.
He was a multi-talented force, a comedian, an event organiser, a musician and an entrepreneur whose every venture seemed to breathe new life into the local creative scene.
His career was a testament to his boundless energy and creativity. He first made a name for himself as a sound engineer and a member of the group Buck Wild Entertainment in the United Kingdom, where he initiated events like Miss Zimbabwe UK.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe, he became a fixture on the Bulawayo entertainment scene.
His work at Skyz Metro FM, particularly on the popular Vuka Vuka breakfast show, made him a household name.
He was a master of ceremonies whose wit and charm captivated audiences at major events and as a DJ, he was a king of the nightlife, creating unforgettable experiences.
He was also a passionate promoter of local talent, using his platforms to provide opportunities for countless artists and helping to establish Bulawayo as a hub for creativity.
His dedication was recognised with prestigious accolades, including a National Arts Merit Award.
Babongile’s legacy, however, is not just defined by his achievements but by his fearless and outspoken personality.
He was a man who challenged norms and wasn't afraid to speak his mind, a trait that sometimes led to public debate, but always came from a place of passion for his community and his craft.
He was a man of the people, whose charisma and humility made everyone feel welcome.
He was a unifier in the media and entertainment fraternity, a genuine spirit who touched countless lives.
He will be remembered as a pioneer who believed in Bulawayo’s potential and worked tirelessly to see it flourish.
His humour, his insights and his ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level have left an indelible mark.
His legacy of laughter and music will continue to inspire generations of artists and entertainers.
The death of Babongile ushered in a profound and much-anticipated event in the afterlife: the great reunion with his best friend and “young brother”, comedian Clive Chigubu.
The bond between Babongile and Chigubu was a hallmark of Bulawayo’s comedy scene — a deep kinship where Babongile regarded Chigubu as his best friend and young brother.
Both men shared a life defined by laughter and creativity, lighting up every stage they touched.
Their lives were linked by more than just comedy; they were also united in a moment of fate.
They once miraculously escaped death after a car accident in Mzilikazi.
This brush with mortality ultimately served only to delay the inevitable, a shared fate that would tragically claim them both years later.
Now, in the great beyond, that final separation is over.
After being parted for nearly three years, the two titans of Zimbabwean comedy are reunited.
If an afterlife exists, you can be sure the “Ndebele Rockstar” and the Yee Yee comedian are side-by-side, finally catching up, and cracking the ultimate celestial ribs.
Babongile, who was granted a state-assisted funeral by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was buried yesterday in Gwanda.
