Doc Shebeleza

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

Victor Bogopane (d. 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.

Career

Doc Shebeleza was inspired by Brenda Fassie and Mandoza, one of the pioneers of kwaito genre.^[1] 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).^[2]

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.^[3] In 2024 Doc Shebeleza had been in and out of hospital and asked for prayers from fans.^[3][4][5] 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.^[6][7][8]

Awards

• Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2018 Lifetime Award^[9]

Legacy

The song "Doc Shebeleza" by South African musician Cassper Nyovest paid tribute to Victor Bogopane.^[10] In 2014 rapper L-Tido sampled "Ghets Ghetsa" for his song "Steve Kekana".^[11]