SA: Kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza is no more

Born Victor Bogopane, Doc Shebeleza passed on at his Johannesburg home in South Africa. According to his management, the musician had been battling a long illness and was scheduled for another medical check-up next week. He was recently discharged from hospital following a health scare at the end of last year.

Doc Shebeleza’s spokesperson Shakes Mavundla confirmed the news to local media: “Doc Shebeleza passed on today at around 10.30am at his home. He was discharged on Monday, and he was going back [to hospital] next week on Monday. He was discharged to come home and have a little break with the family.”

The death of the ‘Gets Getsa’s’ hitmaker comes just two days after the passing of local Afropop singer Winnie Khumalo, who succumbed to a short illness. Industry players took to social media to convey their condolences following news of the artist’s passing.

“SAMRO is saddened by the passing of Kwaito music composer Victor ‘Doc Shebeleza’ Bogopane,” the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) wrote on social media. “SAMRO expresses heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the broader music industry.”

The Southern African Music Awards wrote: “A true legend whose unique style of delivery as an artist cannot be mimicked. Your love for your community is evidenced through your charitable deeds. Doc Shebeleza, you leave behind an indelible mark. May your soul rest in peace. May your family and friends be comforted in this time of need.”

Spotify Africa wrote: “To the legend. The icon. The man who kept us grooving. Thank you for leaving us a rich legacy to remember you by. Rest in Peace Doc Shebeleza.”

The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) also wrote: “SAMPRA mourns the loss of Doc Shebeleza, a true icon of Kwaito music who helped shape the sound of an era. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.  May his soul rest in peace.”

Doc Shebeleza had a storied career in the music industry after founding the kwaito group Amaskhumfete in the 1990s. His 1996 debut album, S’Kumfete, earned him widespread recognition and significantly impacted the kwaito genre, inspiring a new generation of artists.

In addition to his music, Doc Shebeleza was dedicated to philanthropy through his organisation, Amaha, which focused on supporting and uplifting fellow artists. In the late 1990s, he released an album titled Skumfete, featuring popular hits like ‘Ebumnandi’. This was followed by another album, Ingagara, in 2001, which produced a hit song of the same name.

Nearly a decade later, Doc Shebeleza’s legacy was revitalised by hip hop artist Cassper Nyovest, who released a popular track titled ‘Doc Shebeleza’ in tribute to the kwaito artist.