Doc Shebeleza, legendary kwaito artist, dies aged 51

Legendary kwaito artist Doc Shebeleza has died at age 51.

The influential Johannesburg musician, real name Victor Bogopane, passed away in the hospital ICU on 9th January after a long illness, his family confirmed to South Africa’s TimesLIVE. He had surgery in December and had a second operation planned for the end of January. In a 7th January update on his condition, Bogopane said, “My fans should continue to pray for me, that’s all I can say.” No more details on his illness were publicly shared. 

Doc Shebeleza’s career took off in the mid-’90s with the hit ‘Ghets Ghetsa’, off his debut album under the alias in 1996. (His first album was titled ‘Shebeleza’, released as Doc Mabena in 1995.) Bogopane other well-known singles include ‘S’Kumfete’, ‘Kum’nandi’ and ‘Ebumnandini’. He went on to release solo albums through 2009 for labels Cool Spot Productions and The CCP Record Company. He also co-founded the music group Amaskumfete, known for songs like 2001’s ‘Tsipa Tsipa’. 

Doc Shebeleza inspired Cassper Nyovest’s 2014 track named after the kwaito pioneer, and ‘Ghets Ghetsa’ was sampled by L-Tido on ‘Steve Kekana’ that same year. In 2018, he won the lifetime achievement honour at the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards.

Later in his life, Bogopane prioritised philanthropy through his Amaha organisation for fellow artists.

Watch the music video for ‘Ghets Ghetsa’.