South African music industry suffers another blow, as music giant Victor Bogopane who was popularly known as Doc Shebeleza has passed away after enduring an illness.
The kwaito legend who is known for hits like Ghets Ghetsa, Ebumnandini and more passed away while in hospital at the age of 51.
Recently, Doc revealed that he was feeling a lot better, however, he was waiting to undergo surgery soon. According to Daily Sun, his daughter, Segaetsho confirmed the news of his death.
“Yes, I can confirm that he passed away this morning,” his daughter said and mentioned that the family will release an official statement in due course.
Entertainment commentator, Phil Mphela took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to break the news.
RIP:
Doc Shebeleza
Kwaito legend, real name Victor Bogopane, has passed away.
He was 51. #RIPDocShebeleza pic.twitter.com/rmbCrSaw4n
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) January 9, 2025
Doc first had a health scare which left him hospitalised for the weekend. According to ZiMoja, Doc Shebeleza was then rushed to hospital after he reportedly became debilitated.
The publication cited that he drove himself to a nearby hospital where doctors took multiple tests to examine his condition. After this incident Doc’s health deteriorated, after multiple tests done by doctors it was later found that Doc’s veins were not functioning effectively and later needed to undergo surgery.
Tributes pour in on X:
RIP Doc🕊🕊 pic.twitter.com/mTzjP1fBdY
— Lady Lee (@missleem) January 9, 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 Doc Shebeleza 😭😭😭😭😭😭 2025 can end, South Africans can’t cry everyday 😭😭💔💔💔💔💔 RIP Grootman 💔💔💔💔 Rest In Peace King 👑 pic.twitter.com/z8ckuK2ulp
— Monyane Lodge (@Monyane__Lodge) January 9, 2025
Also see: Doc Shebeleza seeks prayers ahead of second operation