South African producer Victor Bogopane – known to many as Doc Shebeleza – has passed away at the age of 51 after a long battle with illness, as confirmed by his family.
Details of the Passing
According to South African news outlet Sunday World, Bogopane’s manager confirmed the sad news, stating that he passed away around 10:30AM on Thursday, January 9.
Bogopane had recently been discharged from a private hospital in Johannesburg, where he had been receiving treatment since June 2024 for various health issues. He underwent a successful surgery before his untimely passing.
Music Career and Legacy
Under the alias Doc Shebeleza, Bogopane rose to fame in Soweto as a pioneer of the early kwaito movement, releasing popular tracks like ‘Ghets Ghetsa’, ‘Ebumnandini’, and ‘Ingagara’.
In 1996, he released his debut album, ‘S’Kumfete’, which included many of his early ‘90s hit singles. This was followed by three more albums: ‘Tiger’ in 1997, ‘Ebumnandini’ in 2000, and ‘Jiva Yoyo’ in 2001.
From a young age, Bogopane drew inspiration from artists like Brenda Fassie and kwaito pioneer Mandoza, whom he later collaborated with.
In the ‘90s, Bogopane formed the music group Amaskumfete, known for hits such as ‘Tsipa Tsipa’ and ‘Like This, Like That’.
Tributes and Memorial
Paying tribute to the late musician, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed his condolences and highlighted Doc Shebeleza’s significant contributions to the music industry and cultural heritage.
Doc Shebeleza’s memorial is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 15, at 3:PM in SABC Radio Park in Johannesburg.
Tributes on Social Media
RIP Doc Shebeleza
He cleared samples for the youngins for free, reason? “I want to empower new artists in the music industry,”
Grootman was selfless, very unselfish pic.twitter.com/BIRckV9b3c
— YaseBlock B (@ThisIsColbert) January 9, 2025
A true pioneer who revolutionized the sound of kwaito—Doc Shebeleza, your legacy is etched in every beat and every anthem. Your music will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in power, King. #BETRemembers pic.twitter.com/87kOA393vs
— BET Africa (@BET_Africa) January 9, 2025
When it rains it pours, said to cone to light to the passing of legendary kwaito artist Victor Bogopane famously known as Doc Shebeleza. He has been in and out of hospitals since last year. He practically raised us all we owned all his TDK’s and CD’s he brought us hits such as pic.twitter.com/TE22YwM3n4
— Zola Hashatsi ka Motsiri (@zola_hashatsi) January 9, 2025
FAQs
Q: When did Victor Bogopane, also known as Doc Shebeleza, pass away?
A: Victor Bogopane passed away on Thursday, January 9, at around 10:30AM.
Q: What was Doc Shebeleza known for in the music industry?
A: Doc Shebeleza was known for his contributions to the early kwaito movement and popular tracks like ‘Ghets Ghetsa’ and ‘Ebumnandini’.
Q: Where will Doc Shebeleza’s memorial be held?
A: Doc Shebeleza’s memorial is set to take place on Wednesday, January 15, at 3:PM in SABC Radio Park in Johannesburg.
Credit: mixmag.net
