A wave of emotion and reverence filled SABC Radio Park’s M1 Studios in Johannesburg on Wednesday, January 15, as family, friends, and fans gathered to honour the life of kwaito icon Doc Shebeleza (real name Victor Bogopane). Shebeleza, who passed away on January 9 at the age of 51 after battling a long illness, is remembered as one of the pioneers of South African kwaito music.
His career took off in the mid-1990s with his hit song “Ghets Ghetsa,” a track that helped define an era of South African music. Despite facing ongoing health struggles, including surgery in December, Shebeleza remained resilient, often expressing gratitude for his fans’ support and prayers.
According to IOL, the memorial service, hosted by actor and comedian Kenneth Nkosi, was a heartfelt celebration of Shebeleza’s contributions to the music industry. The event was attended by notable figures such as Ihashi Elimhlophe, DJ Sbu, DJ Cleo, and Arthur Mafokate, who all paid tribute to the man who helped shape the kwaito genre.
After a prayer session, the Pure Gold musical group performed the nostalgic hit “Elakho Likhona (La Hao Le Teng),” capturing the essence of Shebeleza’s legacy. One member of the group remarked that their performance would speak volumes about the late artist’s impact on the music world.
In a touching moment, Shebeleza’s children read a poem that spoke to his character: “loving, kind, funny, and generous.” Their words reflected the profound affection they felt for their father, who was not just an artist but also a devoted family man.
Abigail Kubeka, a singer, songwriter, and actress, remembered Shebeleza as both a mentor and a friend. She expressed her heartbreak over his passing and said, “What hurts me more is that Doc has never been celebrated. He has done most of what many of us have done in this country. Let’s love each other. Let’s work with each other and hold each other’s hands.”
Kaizer Kganyago, a friend and former South African Broadcasting Corporation spokesman, praised Shebeleza’s humility, noting, “Doc was a true friend. He was not doing music to be famous. He made sure that he will serve the people.”
Music executive and South African Music Industry Council president Vusi Leeuw also paid tribute, acknowledging Shebeleza’s role in shaping the country’s music landscape. “Doc Shebeleza helped contribute to what South Africa is today. He gave hope to a lot of children and young people,” Leeuw said.
The service also featured performances that reflected the various stages of Shebeleza’s career, including a worship song by Keke Phoofolo and a tribute from Amaskumfete that showcased the energetic beginnings of his musical journey.
