Kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza has died

Kwaito pioneer Doc Shebeleza died in hospital at the age of 51. South African woke to the news of the music legend who passed away after a long illness.

The musician, whose real name was Victor Bogopane was hospitalised in 2024 after a health scare.

However, on Thursday morning, the family confirmed his passing.

Shebeleza rose to prominence with his debut album S’Kumfete released on cassette in 1996. The album produced several hit tracks, including Kum’nandi, Ebumnandini and Ghetsa Ghetsa.

During the 1990s he founded the all-male group Amaskumfete, which became known for hits such as Tsipa Tsipa.

Doc Shebeleza’s influence on the kwaito genre was profound, inspiring artists such as Mandoza, Mapaputsi and many others.

In later years, Shebeleza devoted himself to philanthropy through his organisation Amaha, working to uplift his fellow artists.

His legacy was underscored by the 2014 hit song Doc Shebeleza by Cassper Nyovest.