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​Legendary kwaito producer Doc Shebeleza has died aged 51

South African producer Victor Bogopane – known to many as Doc Shebeleza – has died aged 51 after battling a long illness, his family have confirmed.

According to South African news outlet Sunday World, Bogopane’s manager confirmed his passing, saying that he died at around 10:30AM on Thursday, January 9.

Bogopane had been discharged from a private hospital in Johannesburg, which he’d been in and out of since June 2024 with several health issues, per Times Live. He had undergone a successful surgery before his passing.

Under the alias Doc Shebeleza, Bogopane rose to fame in Soweto as a forerunner of the early kwaito movement, releasing hit tracks including ‘Ghets Ghetsa’, ‘Ebumnandini’, and ‘Ingagara’.

In 1996, he released his debut album, ‘S’Kumfete’, featuring many of the hit singles he’d put out through the early ‘90s. The record was succeeded by three more: 1997’s ‘Tiger’, 2000’s ‘Ebumnandini’, and 2001’s ‘Jiva Yoyo’.

From an early age, Bogopane made music inspired by the likes of Brenda Fassie and pioneering kwaito artist Mandoza, who he later got to know and worked alongside.

In the ‘90s, Bogopane also started the music group Amaskumfete, who found fame with their classic tracks ‘Tsipa Tsipa’ and ‘Like This, Like That’.

Paying tribute to the late musician, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said: “The passing of Doc Shebeleza represents a significant loss for South Africa and the entire 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.”

According to the Daily Sun, Doc Shebeleza’s memorial will be held on Wednesday, January 15, at 3:PM in SABC Radio Park in Johannesburg.

Read some tributes below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter

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