Doc Shebeleza

For the 2014 song by Cassper Nyovest, see Doc Shebeleza (song).

Victor Bogopane (7 July 1973 – 9 January 2025), also known as Doc Shebeleza, was a South African kwaito artist. His compositions such as "Ingagara" ,"S'kumfete," "Ebumnandini," and "Ghets Ghetsa" made him a popular kwaito artist in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Early life

Doc Shebeleza was born in Soweto on 7 July 1973, where he began making music from an early age. He grew up in a family that valued cultural expression, and was introduced to music styles ranging from kwaito to traditional South African music.^[1]

Career

Doc Shebeleza was inspired by Brenda Fassie and Mandoza, one of the pioneers of kwaito genre.^[2] In 1995 he released his first album Shebeleza featuring the hit "Ghets Ghetsa". This was followed by "S'kumfete" which featured a hit with the same name. After that, he released three more albums: Tiger (1997), Ebumnandini (2000) [3], and Jiva Yoyo (2001).^[3]

Personal life and death

Doc Shebeleza was assisting in building houses for poor people since leaving music. He was also instrumental in the arrangements of Mandoza's funeral.^[4] In 2024 Doc Shebeleza had been in and out of hospital and asked for prayers from fans.^[4][5][6] He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Johannesburg. He underwent successful surgery in December, and two weeks later, he reported feeling better but requested continued prayers from his fans. He died on 9 January 2025, at the age of 51.^[7][8][9]

Awards

• Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2018 Lifetime Award^[10]

Legacy

The song "Doc Shebeleza" by South African musician Cassper Nyovest paid tribute to Victor Bogopane.^[11] In 2014 rapper L-Tido sampled "Ghets Ghetsa" for his song "Steve Kekana".^[12]

References

1. "'South African House' by Kwaito Pioneer Doc Shebeleza". Tracklib.com. 29 September 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
2. Maliba, Amanda. "Lifetime award for kwaito's Doc Shebeleza". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
3. Notho, Snazo. "Where are they now? Ebumnandini's Doc Shebeleza is still taking care of business". Drum. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
4. "New age Doc Shebeleza: building hope and houses". SowetanLIVE. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
5. Magagula, Nompumelelo. "Ailing Doc Shebeleza heads back to hospital after being at home for festive season". City Press. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
6. Kanye, Thando (3 December 2024). ""We just need prayers" - family in distress as ailing Doc Shebeleza admitted to ICU". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
7. Naidoo, Alicia (9 January 2025). "RIP Doc Shebeleza: Five things to know about late Kwaito star". The South African. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
8. "Legendary kwaito star Doc Shebeleza has died". Times Live. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
9. Zuma, Mbalenhle (9 January 2025). "Kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza has died". Retrieved 9 January 2025.
10. "SA: Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards announce winners". Music In Africa. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
11. Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Doc Shebeleza: Cassper Nyovest owes me nothing!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
12. "'He was a real Grootman': Tributes pour in for kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza who died at 51".