Legendary Kwaito star Doc Shebeleza has passed away. The news of his passing was confirmed by his long-time manager, Shakes Mavundla, who told ZiMoja that the musician passed away at around 10:30 this morning.
HE PASSED AWAY AT HOME
The Kwaito legend, real name Victor Bogopane, died at the age of 51. He died at his home in Fairlands, Johannesburg, after being under the weather for months. Doc Shebeleza has been in and out of the hospital since June last year. Just before Christmas, he had a successful operation and was due for another one next week. Mavundla said the doctors discharged him since he was feeling better to spend his time with his family and children during the Christmas holidays.
MAKING GOOD MUSIC
Doc Shebeleza, one of the pioneers of Kwaito music in the early 1990s, became popular with his debut album, Skumfete, released in 1996. His bandmates and dancers were aptly called AmaSkumfete, which included another Kwaito legend, Brown Dash. Doc Shebeleza's all-male group, Amaskumfete, released the hit song Tsipa Tsipa. The Dobsonville, Soweto-born dancer was inspired by the legendary musician Freddie Gwala of Amadamara fame in the music industry. He released popular Kwaito songs like Ebumnandini, Ingagara, and Ingwazi, amongst others. On the other hand, he inspired rapper Cassper Nyovest, who released the hit track Doc Shebeleza. On the song, Cassper Nyovest featured the Kwaito muso in the video. Doc Shebeleza publicly acknowledged Cassper Nyovest for using his name as a title track, as a sign of respect and honouring him.
A PHILANTHROPIST
Doc Shebeleza was also involved in philanthropy work with the SABC, which was led by Advocate Dali Mpofu. His organisation, Amaha, built houses across the country for child-headed households and people living with HIV. Mavundla said the date of Doc Shebeleza's memorial service and burial will be communicated in due course. "He will be laid to rest around next week. The funeral service will be held at a church, and his funeral will leave from his home in Fairlands," said Mavundla. Doc Shebeleza is survived by nine children, three daughters and six sons.
