Doctors had told the late Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Broadcaster Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini that he had about six months to live after he was diagnosed with an illness, however, he went on to live for 11 months.
His wife Thando, in an emotional tribute, described the past 11 months as the most challenging chapter of their journey, reflecting on the difficult period they endured as a family.
This is one of the reasons his family described him as a fighter.
The tribute was read by a relative during Bobo’s memorial service held at the Mbabane Alliance Church yesterday.
While the six-month prognosis had set an extremely difficult expectation, Bobo’s journey continued beyond that period, giving his family additional time with a man they described as a loving husband, father and friend. His wife said the battle was not simply about watching her husband fight through a difficult period, but also about continuing to share life with someone who had been central to her world. She said their relationship had been built over years of dating before they eventually married on January 1, 2017, as she met him when she was only 15 years old.
She recalled that what held them together, even during disagreements, was humility and mutual respect.
His wife described him as her best friend, confidante, protector and provider, saying he loved his family proudly and openly.
Bobo’s love for his family was also acknowledged by his colleagues. EBIS Director Sabelo Dlamini said Bobo openly expressed his love for his family to those close to him, assuring the bereaved family that the station would continue to support them. His wife also acknowledged the overwhelming support and tributes that came from the broadcasting, music and creative arts fraternity during the difficult period.
She said the outpouring appreciation had made her realise that her husband belonged to a much bigger family beyond their household.
Although she said she was at peace that he was now resting, she vowed to ensure that his contribution to the creative industry would not be forgotten. His wife said the children and she would forever carry the memories they shared engraved in their hearts.
The deceased’s children, Sizolwethu, Ayabonga and Sphe took turns sharing fond memories of their father. Ayabongwa promised to honour his father by passing his Grade VII exams with flying colours while Sphe remembered how he would drive them to school because their mother was not good in keeping time. Sizolwethu said his father brought them up to become geniuses.
“He taught us not settle for less.”
Ministering the Word of God was Pastor Patrick Ndlangamandla from the High Praise Church who read from the book of John 15 vs 1-4. Ndlangamandla also mentioned that he had the priviledge to preach to Bobo during his last days.
“Just before he passed on he sang the song titled, ‘Yes Jesus loves me”. The pastor encouraged Bobo’s children to love one another, knowing that they had a father who wanted the best for them.
He made local music fashionable
Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini was a broadcaster who understood that his microphone could do more than entertain listeners; it could open doors for local talent, create opportunities for young creatives and help grow the country’s entertainment industry.
This was the picture of Bobo that emerged from the tributes delivered by colleagues, friends and industry stakeholders during his memorial service.
Beyond his work as a broadcaster, Bobo was remembered as an ideas man, an innovator and a passionate advocate for the development of the local creative industry.
His contribution was not limited to playing music on radio. He actively sought ways of giving local artists visibility and creating platforms through which emerging talent could be discovered and appreciated.
EBIS Director Sabelo Dlamini described him as a passionate communicator whose broadcasting journey began when he joined the station as an intern.
From the onset, he demonstrated an understanding of what listeners wanted and constantly challenged himself to find new ways of improving their experience.
He said his enthusiasm for innovation was evident in the ideas he regularly presented to management.
“He would come to my office and flood me with brilliant ideas and proposals. Most of them came to fruition.”
Dlamini said one of Bobo’s notable initiatives was bringing a live band to perform inside the studio, something Sabelo described as a first of its kind.
Bobo was also keen to advance his academic qualifications, having expressed his intention to pursue a Master’s degree.
His most enduring contribution, as articulated by other speskers from the music industry, was his work in promoting local music and developing the entertainment industry.
Lindelwa Mafa, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, recalled how Bobo helped make local music fashionable during prime-time radio programming.
She also remembered his involvement in the SWAMA Awards, where he served as one of the adjudicators for several years. Through his networks and passion for the industry, he introduced several other players to the platform, helping broaden participation in the creative sector.
His influence extended to the development of the industry beyond broadcasting. According to Arts and Culture Council CEO representative Thami Ndlovu, the existence of an association for DJs was also linked to Bobo’s influence.
He was similarly instrumental in nurturing talent and developing structures within the entertainment fraternity.
Mega Sounds Events representative Samkelo Zulu described the organisation as Bobo’s baby, saying he had groomed and mentored those who were part of it.
His friend and fellow broadcaster Bongani Dube, popularly known as ‘Thiza Lami’, said he had known Bobo for approximately 20 years.
Their friendship began through music reviews before they worked together on the programme Top 20, which they later sought permission to rebrand as Eswatini Top 20. Dube said Bobo’s contribution to the media and arts industry was significant, adding that his influence could be seen in the number of people who came forward to share how he had impacted their lives.
Wife to establish arts foundation
The late Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini’s passion for nurturing local talent will live on through a foundation his wife intends to establish in his memory.
The foundation, to be known as the Mshina Kalova Arts Foundation, will seek to preserve the legacy of a man who dedicated much of his life promoting local creatives and creating opportunities for emerging talent.
Speaking through a relative, Bobo’s wife said establishing the foundation would be her way of ensuring that a part of her husband continued to live through the dreams of others.
She said she would watch and support his passion for identifying and developing talent, promoting local creatives and growing the entertainment industry.
Through his shows, Bobo was intentional about creating platforms where young people, musicians and other creatives could showcase their abilities.
He believed the arts industry was more than entertainment, describing it as a sector capable of stimulating economic activity, creating employment and changing the lives of young people.
His wife said the outpouring tributes and appreciation from people within the creative industry had been deeply moving.
She said she was comforted by the realisation that her husband had touched many lives and that the seeds he planted would continue to grow.
The foundation is expected to become part of that legacy, extending his passion for the arts beyond his lifetime.
