On Wednesday, January 15, the air at SABC Radio Park, M1 Studios in Johannesburg was filled with grief and reverence as family, friends, and fans gathered to pay their final respects to the legendary kwaito artist Doc Shebeleza, born Victor Bogopane. Doc Shebeleza, who had been battling illness for some time, passed away in hospital on January 9, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives.
The memorial service was attended by a wide range of people, including fellow musicians, celebrities, and close friends. One of the notable attendees was Cassper Nyovest, who had paid tribute to Doc Shebeleza through his hit 2014 song, “Doc Shebeleza.”
In an emotional moment during the memorial, Cassper spoke to SABC News reporter Lopang Alamu about the significance of the song he dedicated to the artist. “It’s an honour,” Cassper said. “When I made this song, I just thought it was cool. I didn’t think of it as a tribute. Just two weeks ago, it was played at FNB stadium in front of 100,000 people, and they went crazy. Doc Shebeleza actually sent me a message saying, ‘Thank you for honouring me while I’m still alive.’ So it’s an honour, it’s a privilege, and I can only thank God because it was never my plan.”
Arthur Mafokate, a close friend of Doc Shebeleza, also shared his memories. Reflecting on their time together, Arthur said, “There are just too many things to mention. I’m glad I was among the people who visited him in hospital just two weeks ago. We joked around, took pictures, and even shot videos at the clinic. I struggle to believe he’s gone because he was so lively. But knowing Doc, he wouldn’t want us to cry. If I could, I’d share some of the jokes we made because that’s how we knew him. Seeing all these people here today is proof of how much he meant to us.”
