Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

Musician and wheel spinner Unity ‘MaUzah’ Moyo, leader of the Achuzi group, has shared the lasting impact of the final words spoken to him by Babongile Sikhonjwa, describing them as both profound and unforgettable.
“The words he said that night now make sense. He kept saying, ‘Mfana wami sesibadala ukubambela umuntu iqhubu, if you feel unwanted, do not ask why, simply excuse yourself from such people.’ I wish I had recorded him saying that,” Mauzah said.

Mauzah said beyond the laughter and shared memories, the words resonated deeply.
“Those words now carry so much weight. They were a lesson in self-respect and clarity, wisdom I will carry for life,” he said.

The advice given to him during Sikhonjwa’s visit to South Africa in August this year came amid a series of fun and memorable hangouts. In the two months leading up to Sikhonjwa’s passing, the two artistes shared an intense period of collaboration and friendship across Zimbabwe and South Africa. South Africa-based Mauzah visited Zimbabwe in July, before Sikhonjwa returned the visit in August.

Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Mauzah recalled their memorable moments together.
“We met years back when he came from London, and we were more like brothers than friends. I will miss his roaring personality and all the laughs. I was in Zimbabwe on July 8, 2025, and called him to say I was in town. He invited me the same evening to Red Café.
“It was a big welcome as we spoke about the days we first met, doing business together, and about the late Mapaputsi and Goboyz members. He kept saying he had never seen me so relaxed. We even had to video call my mother to assure my safety as it was getting late,” MaUzah said.

He also recounted Sikhonjwa’s visit to South Africa: “He came on August 1, and we caught up at Moja Cafe, Sunninghill. We then went to Santis Pub & Grill, where he bumped into his high school friend Skhumbuzo. They demonstrated some Milton High slogans — it was fun. We moved to Let’s Meat There for a Shisa Nyama braai, then onto Tempo nightclub, joined by my USA-based cousin. So much fun was had.”

The following day, Sikhonjwa attended Mauzah’s Sundowners set at Flames Restaurant, enjoying the music and the view, and later sang two songs at a karaoke session at Santis Pub. This is where Sikhonjwa shared advice.

Mauzah went on to highlight Sikhonjwa’s instrumental role in his musical journey.
“In my solo career, he encouraged me and co-produced my single Bhoza yama Bhoza. In 2017, when I released Phez’ KweGqom, he was the first DJ to play it on the radio, along with my other singles Intwe Mnandi and Cibiliza. I would get random calls from him saying I was live on air, and he would even do radio jingles and intros for me.” – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire