Iconic South African kwaito star Doc Shebeleza, born Victor Bogopane, died at the age of 51 following a prolonged illness.
Doc Shebeleza dies: What’s the cause of death?
His family confirmed that he had been battling health issues since June 2024, when he was first hospitalised after a serious health scare.
In December 2024, Shebeleza was admitted to a private hospital in Johannesburg, where he underwent surgery for an undisclosed condition.
While he initially showed signs of recovery, his condition worsened in the weeks that followed.
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He succumbed to his illness on the morning of Thursday, 9 January 2025, leaving fans and the music industry in mourning.
Despite the public interest, no detailed medical report has been released about the exact cause of his death. His family has requested privacy as they prepare to lay him to rest.
Doc Shebeleza biography
Doc Shebeleza was a pioneer of South Africa’s kwaito genre, a music style that emerged in the 1990s and defined an era of cultural expression in post-apartheid South Africa.
Born on 7 July 1973 in Soweto, he grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of local music, which inspired his career.
He rose to fame in the mid-90s with the release of his debut album, S’Kumfete, which featured timeless hits like Kum’nandi, Ebumnandini, and Ghetsa Ghetsa.
His ability to merge storytelling with infectious beats made him a household name.
Shebeleza’s contributions extended beyond solo projects, with the formation of the group Amaskumfete, known for their hit Tsipa Tsipa.
Beyond his music, Shebeleza was committed to philanthropy.
Through his organisation, Amaha, he worked to uplift struggling artists and provide support to underprivileged communities.
In 2018, his efforts were recognised when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards.
He also left a lasting cultural imprint on younger generations, most notably influencing rapper Cassper Nyovest, who honoured him with the hit song Doc Shebeleza in 2014.
Reactions to Shebeleza’s death
Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and cultural institutions, all of whom have highlighted Doc Shebeleza’s impact on South African music and society.
Fellow artists and fans took to social media to share memories and express their sorrow at the loss of a Kwaito legend.
