IN every city there is a go-to guy. One who is popular and one who knows every corner where to get what and how.
Naturally, these are the crowed pullers and a party is not complete when the chap is absent. This best describes Bulawayo’s “special one” Babongile Skhonjwa.
In fact, the 44-year-old calls himself a jack of all trades because he accomplishes countless tasks and wears so many hats at different occasions. But the one thing you will never take away from Skhonjwa is that he is big on social capital — he ekes out a living from being famous.
And where you find him, that is where things will be happening. So ambitious is Skhonjwa that he wants to venture into politics or at least become the mayor of Zimbabwe’s second-biggest city. The NewsHawks’ Jonathan Mbiriyamveka (JM) talks to Babongile Skhonjwa (BS) on how he built his brand and why he is such an omnipresent fellow. Read the excerpt:
JM: What makes Bulawayo special to you?
BS: What makes Bulawayo special for me is the mere fact that I was born here, that’s special on its own and the fact that I am so appreciated here.
JM: How old are you and where exactly in Bulawayo were you born?
BS: I am turning 45 on the 20th of June, big party as usual. And yes, I was born in Bulawayo eMachipsini eMzilikazi at Marondera Polyclinic.
The first hands to touch me were Dr Herbert Ushewokunze. Talk about being special.
JM: You were one of the hosts at Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF). What would you say was the highlight?
BS: I hosted the top 10 Bulawayo songs of all time. I initially came up with the hot 100 chart last year for Skyz Metro FM and compiled the whole show, including this year, so BAF thought that as the originator of the idea it was best I host it. The whole show was a huge highlight as it kept people well entertained. I also had a chance to do some comedy as well as sing traditional Ndebele songs in between.
JM: What exactly do you do?
BS: I am jack of all trades, easier answered as an all-round entertainer, comedian, musician, actor, producer, radio presenter, artist, painter; you name it, I do it. Also, in the entertainment business, I have managed and run plenty of popular clubs, pubs and restaurants and I also opened a butchery a month ago and I am opening a sports bar on my birthday. I also breed nice cows at the farm in Filabusi. Basically, I do everything.
JM: You are a guest at many events. Why is this so?
BS: If you want real Bulawayo representation and attention, you need to have me at your event. Full stop!
JM: You are big on social capital or rather well connected. How did you build your connections and name?
BS: It has taken many years. I’ve been very popular since I was in school. I’ve somehow managed to remain relevant up to today. I have worked so well with many people and I have helped too many people as well. I am basically a nice earnest guy and that has got me far and I love myself for that.
JM: What do you think needs to be done to resuscitate Bulawayo’s creative industry?
BS: We need an arts ministry that will recognise artists from all regions. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is failing to govern ZBC (Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation) so that all artists in the country get equal representation on the national broadcaster’s platforms. ZBC marginalises certain artists from other regions yet they are not shy to collect licensing fees from all provinces. Bulawayo does not need any favours, we just need to be put on platforms where more people can see us.
JM: What is your experience with showbiz in Bulawayo?
BS: It been a long rollercoaster ride, from the biggest flops to the biggest profits. Huge experiences learnt, but I have enjoyed it all and I am still to enjoy some more.
JM: Concerning the prolonged Covid-19 lockdown of the performing arts sector, how can the government ensure there is no collapse of the entertainment industry?
BS: Government needs to open up our sector then help us follow guidelines strictly.
JM: What are you working on now and your future plans?
BS: I am working on Katona TV as the only station with a TV licence from this region. I am working closely with Cont Mhlanga. I will be contesting for the vice-chairmanship of Highlanders Football Club and I am yet to decide if I want to be the mayor of the city or an MP come 2023 elections.
