Cape Town — Following the death of South African Kwaito legend, Doc Shebeleza, tributes on social media have come flooding in for the former star.
Doc Shebeleza passed away on Thursday aged just 51 after he was hospitalised following a short illness in June 2024. Known for his debut album, S’Kumfete, he had a major influence on the Kwaito game, inspiring artists such as Mandoza and Mapaputsi. His legacy was cemented after Cassper Nyovest’s hit song Doc Shebeleza, an honour to the Kwaito legend.
Shebeleza’s death is the 2nd high-profile South African death in one week after the death of Winnie Khumalo, who also passed away aged 51 after a short illness.
In a statement, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie described Shebeleza’s passing as a “significant loss for South Africa and the music industry.”
““On behalf of the Ministry, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless fans whose lives he touched. South Africa has lost not only a music legend but a compassionate soul whose contributions to our cultural heritage and community upliftment will not be forgotten. His music, laughter and legacy will continue to resonate in our hearts. Rest in power, Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane,” McKenzie said.
Take a look at the tributes to Doc on social media:
In loving memory of two legends, Doc Shebeleza and Winnie Khumalo, whose incredible talent and passion forever shaped South Africa’s entertainment industry. Your music, spirit, and legacy will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, icons. You will never be forgotten. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u1zRv9sjHp
— @etv (@etv) January 10, 2025
RIP Doc shebeleza 🙏🏽🕊️ he was a real Grootman. In 2014 I sampled gets getsa for my song Steve Kekana . He cleared the sample for me, without taking a percentage or charging me . That’s unheard off in the music industry! Condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/2S8SplUL2P
— 16V (@L_Tido) January 9, 2025
Rip to the legend, “DOC SHEBELEZA” when i say legend that’s what i meant.. pic.twitter.com/0tkfFViPAJ
— iamdjfresh (@iamDJFRESH) January 9, 2025
It is with a profound sense of loss, and great sadness, that I received the news that my dear friend, and fellow comrade, the legendary Kwaito Star, #VictorBogopane, affectionately known to all of us as #DocShebeleza, had passed on.
I am reminded of a beautifully warm visit… pic.twitter.com/pCc4cnVZHr
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) January 9, 2025
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. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/7Qnzv7jRjZ
— Spotify Africa (@SpotifyAfrica) January 9, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
