LIVE: Babongile Sikhonjwa Memorial in Bulawayo

Good day! Welcome to our live blog for Babongile Sikhonjwa’s memorial service.

It is a sombre atmosphere in Bulawayo today as the city prepares to bid farewell to one of its most treasured sons, media, and arts personality Babongile Sikhonjwa.

Family, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives he touched have gathered at his family home in Richmond to pay their final respects and accompany him on his last journey through the city he loved so deeply.

Our reporters, Bruce Ndlovu, Langalakhe Mabena, Langalakhe Dube, Sipepisiwe Moyo, Mthabisi Tshuma and photographer Obey Sibanda will be giving us live updates.

Beginning at his Richmond home, the cortege will move past landmarks close to his heart — from the Richmond Recreational Grounds and Barbourfields Stadium to Mzilikazi High School, Amakhosi Cultural Centre, and Skyz Metro FM where his voice once resonated.

Along the way, stops such as Red Café will turn into moments of song and dance in his honour.

The procession will conclude at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, where a memorial service is set for 11am, offering the city a chance to bid farewell to its beloved cultural icon.

Sikhonjwa’s body departs funeral parlour

The late Babongile Sikhonjwa’s body has departed Doves Funeral Parlour and is now on its way home in Richmond ahead of the city tour and memorial service at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Babongile’s Biography

Babongile, known lovingly by many as Sikhonjwa, Bubbles, Mrifithi and other beloved radio monikers, was a dynamic force — a creative visionary, father, media personality, and mentor whose presence left a lasting mark on Zimbabwe’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

Early Life and Education
Babongile’s educational journey began at:

• Baines Infant School

• Cecil John Rhodes School

• Baines Junior School

He concluded his primary education back at Baines. At Mzingwane High School, he developed an early passion for music and theatre, which he explored further at Milton High School, where he also excelled as an athlete, proudly representing the school in the 100m and 200m sprint events.

Tertiary Studies and Academic Development
Babongile studied Computer Science at the Academy of Learning in Zimbabwe. Eager to broaden his skills and global perspective, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he furthered his studies in Computer Science and Media Entertainment. It was within the creative arts that he thrived, innovated, and led with purpose.

Creative and Media Career
After returning to Zimbabwe, Babongile fully immersed himself in the arts. He founded:

• Otis Ngwabi

• Trey Elephant

• NesuEtc

He also worked closely with the late Cont Mhlanga, contributing to impactful theatre productions that combined powerful storytelling, music, and social commentary.

bongile began his broadcasting career at Skyz Metro FM, later joining Nkululeko/Rusununguko TV (NRTV), and eventually becoming a household name at Star FM, where he hosted shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays. His voice, energy, and humour won over thousands, building a loyal following.

Event Production and Operational Leadership
Beyond the microphone and stage, Babongile excelled as Operations Manager under Events Africa, the entertainment wing of his creative ventures, in partnership with Providence Films and Sounds. He played a key role in organising major shows, concerts, and cultural events across Zimbabwe.

One of his most notable contributions was being part of the team that set up Fan Parks for the FIFA World Cup tournaments — large-scale public gatherings that brought communities together in shared celebration. His leadership in logistics, event coordination, and audience engagement ensured these events were a resounding success.

Family and Legacy
At the heart of everything Babongile did were his two beloved children:

• Gugulethu (14) — currently in Form One

• Qobo — in Grade Seven at Tennyson Primary School

He was a present, loving father who raised his children with warmth, joy, and wisdom. They were his pride, and they remain his greatest legacy.

A Life Remembered
Babongile wore many hats: student, mentor, manager, artist, athlete, father, and friend. Whether producing theatre, mentoring young talent, broadcasting to the nation, or leading national events, he lived with heart, creativity, and courage.

His nicknames — Sikhonjwa, Bubbles, Mr Fillhi, and many more — are remembered with affection, laughter, and pride. He gave his community more than just entertainment; he gave it connection, culture, and possibility.

He lived fully — not chasing fame, but building legacy. He saw potential in others and helped them to see it in themselves. His laughter, leadership, and creativity have left a lasting imprint on Zimbabwe’s cultural memory.

Renowned as a master of ceremonies, Babongile graced countless events, including National Galas, corporate functions, and weddings. He became the MC of choice for many, always bringing energy, humour, and professionalism.

Body now at his home in Richmond

The late Babongile Sikhonjwa is home, in Richmond for a final prayer before “The Last City Bow” a heartfelt farewell convoy around Bulawayo honoring the life and legacy the radio personality and entertainer.

Hundreds of people are gathered at the Sikhonjwa family home in preparation to accopany his body around the city.

The Convoy has left Babongile Sikhonjwa’s home. It passed through Richmond Recreational Club, a leisure and outing place where Babongile Sikhonjwa managed. It’s the same place where he would invite friends for a spit braai.

The hearse has now diverted to the home of the late Clive Chigubhu at Barbourfields, who was a dearest friend to Sikhonjwa. In 2014, Sikhonjwa and Chigubhu survived death, after their car crash along Luveve Road after the Nguboyenja flyover.

Babongile’s body is now at Barbourfields stadium, home to Highlanders FC, a team that Babongile Sikhonjwa loved dearly. In 2022, Sikhonjwa vied for a Vice Chairman post at Bosso. Despite losing, Sikhonjwa never lost his hope, he continued to be an active Bosso life-time member, until the time of his death.

The body of Sikhonjwa is now at Bretheren in Christ Church in Bulawayo, where the late was a fellowship member. A short prayer is held, bidding farewell to Sikhonjwa, for the Angels to receive him with both wings on the other side.

The hearse has proceeded to Highlanders Club (former Hlabangana Lounge) – a Cosmopolitan joint that Sikhonjwa used to own together with businessman Biggie Chinoperekwa.

The Hlabangana Lounge was mostly vibrant on weekends, as it became a place for Bosso fans to celebrate after games.

During his stint as a host at Skyz Metro FM, Babongile Sikhonjwa was appreciated by many listeners in Bulawayo because of his voice and style of broadcasting.

Some of his listeners are running business at the Bulawayo Market, a place where Sikhonjwa’s hearse is currently at.

Babongile Sikhonjwa was a culturalist who believed in preserving and honouring the Ndebele culture. One of his icons was the late Vice President Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. Sikhonjwa’s hearse has passed through the Dr Mqabuko Nkomo’s statue – for Babo to make one last visit to his cultural icon.

His body is now at the Red Café, a place that symbolises the legacy of Bubbles, as Sikhonjwa was affectionately known.

Here at Red Café, Sikhonjwa gave a platform to young artistes to showcase their talents.

Did you know? The Red Café is the only Club in Zimbabwe that accommodates different Live Bands to play every day Monday to Sunday – Thanks to Sikhonjwa’s brilliant initiatives.

The hearse is now heading to the Bulawayo Theatre, where a memorial service for Sikhonjwa will be held.

Different people from family, friends, arts colleagues and the business community will have a chance to speak on the podium – honouring Sikhonjwa.

The Sikhonjwa family arriving at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre

Sikhonjwa’s body has now arrived at the Bulawayo amphitheater where a memorial service is set to be held

Hundreds of people have gathered at the amphitheater for the memorial service of the late Babongile Sikhonjwa.

Before this, there was a convoy which went around Bulawayo’s Central Business District, with people from all walks of life lining up the streets to pay respect to the departed entertainer and socialite.

Bulawayo Minister of State for Devolution and Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube has joined hordes of mourners at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre where a memorial service for radio icon Babongile Sikhonjwa is held.

Babongile Skhonjwa’s father, Mr Nicholas Moyo takes to the podium and the crowd roars into song and dance .

He shares that Babongile took after him as a Mc. He shares some of the moments they shared with the late.

He shares that he was an intelligent young man who showed his passion for arts at a tender age.
“He loved us but had a lot of controversies and requested to have his surname changed to Skhonjwa on order to preserve his grandfather’s name.
“He brought many friends at home until I got annoyed, but there is one thing I always cautioned him on ,speaking vulgar language,” he said

He concluded saying he is happy that they produced the best children who live well with others.

The late Babongile Sikhonjwa’s son Qobo at his father’s memorial service at Bulawayo’s Amphitheater

Poet Desire Moyo known to many as Moyoxide, takes to the podium citing a poem he coined for the late Babongile Skhonjwa.
In his poem he glorifies the late as the Ndebele Rockstar who made everyone feel at home.A cultural activitist mentioning that Star FM ,Highlanders football club,Red Cafe among others will never be the same.
He added that as artists they need state assisted projects whilst they are still alive however he thanked the government for assisting with the funeral service for the late.

It’s a day to be happy and merry as hordes of people bid farewell to Babongile Sikhonjwa.

Despite a sound malfunction during a performance at the memorial service, the crowd breaks into a gospel song as they celebrate the life of the late Sikhonjwa.

Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi leads the Amphitheatre in song.

Representing the art fraternity is Sotsha Moyo ,founder of Black Umfolosi .

He takes the audience through the times he had with the late Babongile Skhonjwa.
“I first met him in UK with his father, when he was still a young man,and I used to remind him of this.
“He was a man full of energy and life.The Arts sector has lost and at first we did not believe the news but now we say rest in peace Babongile.
“We are here celebrating the life of a legend in art,” said Sotsha.

Following after him George Phahlane a member of Ebony Shark group who has been in the art industry for 45 years.
” We are in a difficult time as we have lost a person like Babo

“He was a giver not a taker. Most artists from Bulawayo were given a platform to showcase their talent on a daily basis at the Red Cafe.

He went on to highlight that the late was a fearless warrior.
“We arr grateful as Bulawayo artists for taking care of us ,his passing makes us feel as orphans as we are not sure as to whether we will have another who will take care of us.

He went on to plead with the government to let artists be.
“Free the artists as Babongile was a free man,” said George.

Albert Nyathi also shared the same sentiments with the previous speakers saying Babongile was a good young man.
“I first met Babongile in London when I had gone to perform with the group Imbongi”, said Nyathi.

Steve Vickers from Star FM Zimbabwe is on the podium now starting off with introducing the team that worked with the late Babongile.

He stated that they were humbled to have a slot on the program, which is where Babonigle was to end his career as a broadcaster .

He shared the story of Babongile working at Star Fm.” We met at a Highlanders game and we admired each other and I knew Babongile was a legend”

Babongile went on to state to Vickers that he was attracted to star fm and wanted to get a slot to introduce byo artists and he did a wonderful job.”

A colorful character who gets into trouble,” Vickers stated.At some point , he hit a rough patch , and it was tough as he started to miss shows , which Vickers didn’t like. “We spoke about how best we could go about it since he was traveling a did shows at Red Cafe, kosamuriwo, Theatre, highlanders Club House. “He would disappear for days and 30 mins before the show and update the crew about where he was,” Vickers said.

“When he got to one year with Star fm, he was proud that he hadn’t been suspended.” Loved his job and worked well with the crew. Only 3 weeks ago he travelled with Vickers and did broadcast and took them to the Mzilikazi commemorations at Mhlamhlandlela and told him not to worry since he won’t be the only white person there.

Farai Chapotererwa, a head writer at NRTV, is at the podium sharing her memories with Babongile Skhonjwa, who had joined NRTV as a radio producer.

She described Skhonjwa as hot-headed, noting that he would often disregard submitting scripts for radio shows. However, Chapotererwa admired Skhonjwa’s unconventional approach, which consistently yielded impressive results.

“Babongile was an amazing person,” she said, “he had the ability to tap into your abilities and craziness, a constant rule-breaker.”

Beyond their professional relationship, Skhonjwa became a close friend, making everyone feel at ease and welcome. Chapotererwa shared that Skhonjwa taught her valuable life lessons and inspired those around him to live life to the fullest.

Lastly, she mentioned that she was the last person to interview Skhonjwa on Star FM just last Wednesday, and she concluded by wishing his legacy to continue.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart takes to the podium.
He says he was particularly struck by Star FM, which spoke about Sikhonjwa, mentioning his work in Gwanda, Plumtree, and most recently at the King Mzilikazi Memorial.

Babongile had a passion for sharing the city’s culture and beauty. Our challenge now is to take up his legacy.

The City offered the Amphitheatre for free as a small token.

When a person is taken so suddenly and unexpectedly, we question God. How can our principal assets be taken from our City?

I want to say to the family:
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

To the children, I pray that God will protect you, inspire you, and guide future generations. May God bless you and keep you.
He ends his speech.

Bulawayo Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, gives her keynote address at the Babongile Sikhonjwa Memorial at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Today, as we gather to bid farewell and pay respects to Babongile Sikhonjwa, it is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our beloved one.

His life and presence reached far beyond the boundaries of the nation.

The President sends his deepest condolences to the Sikhonjwa family. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.

We are grateful to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the State-assisted funeral for an iconic figure who has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts. He was actively making Zimbabwe and the world a greater place.

He was a shining example of resilience, perseverance and unity, who touched our lives.

We must find strength to foster creativity and the pursuance of excellence.

Let us remain united and work together as one people. Where we make mistakes, we can sit down and find a solution.

Sikhonjwa is dead, but it is now up to us to carry on his legacy.

To the family, the nation stands with you during this difficult time. We want to carry forward and honour his memory by being agents of change.

She ends her speech.

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