Popular Businessman and DJ, Babongile Skonjwa has died.
Sharing the news, politician , Temba Mliswa said: It is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Babongile Skhonjwa. This man was a total package. His presence touched many lives and will surely be remembered by many. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Babongile Skhonjwa’s career was a vibrant and multi-faceted journey through the Zimbabwean entertainment industry. While a detailed, year-by-year timeline can be difficult to construct, here is an overview of the key moments and roles that defined his career:
- Early Beginnings: He started his journey in entertainment during his high school days at Umzingwane and Milton High, where he was involved in organizing shows and dramas.
- Late 1990s: Skhonjwa moved to the UK to pursue a diploma in sound engineering at North London University. During this time, he produced hit songs that earned him the moniker “Ndebele Rock Star” and formed his self-titled group, Babongile, which toured Europe.
- 2002: Upon returning to Zimbabwe, he curated a compilation album for Bulawayo-based artists titled “Wena WeNdlovu Volume 1.” He also ventured into television, co-hosting the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Gala and the Miss Strides pageant.
- Early-to-Mid 2010s: He became a prominent radio personality, hosting the “Vuka Vuka Breakfast” show on Skyz Metro FM. He was a familiar voice in Bulawayo and across the country.
- Beyond Radio: Throughout his career, Skhonjwa built a reputation as a successful comedian and Master of Ceremonies (MC), becoming a regular presence at live events and arts festivals.
- 2023: He relocated to Harare and joined the newly established NRTV as a producer and presenter.
- Late 2023: Skhonjwa made another significant move, joining the popular urban radio station Star FM. He took over the “After Drive” show, bringing his unique, high-energy style to a new audience.
Controversies
- In 2013, Skhonjwa was arrested on charges of fraud and theft. The allegations were that he had misappropriated funds from a business partner. The case received significant media coverage at the time, and while he maintained his innocence, it was a challenging period for him personally and professionally.
- Following the DNA test results that confirmed Babongile Skhonjwa was the biological father of a 12-year-old child, a US$300,000 lawsuit was filed against him by Thulani “Javas” Sibanda, the man who had been raising the child as his own. The lawsuit seeks damages for the child’s upkeep over the past 12 years. In addition, the child’s maternal grandmother has taken legal action to gain full custody of the minor.
