The organisers of the Zim Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) have announced their intention to confer an Honourary Award posthumously to the late, iconic broadcaster and cultural figure, Babongile Sikhonjwa.
The award will be presented at the ceremony on December 12th at Zimbali events, which marks the 15th anniversary of the ZHHA and a wider celebration of Zimbabwean Hip Hop culture.
Sikhonjwa, affectionately known as the "Ndebele Rock Star," was a champion of the arts, particularly known for his tireless support of the southern region of the country.
His dedication to the culture was evident when he successfully hosted the 2023 edition of the awards.
Aldrian "Beefy" Harrison, the director of the Zim Hip Hop Awards, spoke highly of the late personality.
"Zim Hip Hop Awards are passion, dedication and emancipation—everything Babongile stood for. Babongile unrepentantly stood up for his region, belief and hosted the 2023 ZHHA awards. He was a rockstar. An art cultural rockstar," he said.
Babongile Sikhonjwa, born in Zimbabwe, was a multi-talented entertainer and entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the country's media and arts scene:2
Sikhonjwa completed his high school education at Mzingwane High and Milton High before pursuing studies in computer science and media entertainment, including time in the United Kingdom.
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He became a prominent figure in broadcasting, most famously as the host of the popular "Vuka Vuka" breakfast show on Skyz Metro FM in Bulawayo.
His career spanned radio, stand-up comedy, master of ceremonies (MC) work, and entrepreneurship, co-owning restaurants and clubs that contributed to the city's social fabric.
His profound contributions to the industry were recognised with several prestigious honours, including a National Arts Merit Award (Nama) for Outstanding Radio Presenter and a Bulawayo Arts Award for Outstanding Radio DJ.
Sikhonjwa passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 49, at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after complaining of breathing complications.
His unexpected death left the entertainment and creative community in shock.
He was a father of two children. Due to his immense contribution to the media landscape, the government honoured him with a state-assisted funeral.
He was laid to rest at his rural home in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province.
