WeeklySA_AdminEXPONENT: He always lent a helping hand but was let down in his hour of need.
By Gugu Sibiya
Multi-award-winning musician Doc Shebeleza (51), who died after a short illness recently and was buried last weekend, was born into a family blessed with abundant music talent.
Yet again, the passing of Tebogo Victor Bogopane, his real name, escalated the ongoing public criticism of the government of failing South African artists – only to be too quick to clamour for publicity in the wake of their deaths.
Mourners berated the authorities for failing to assist him in distress despite his impassioned plea for financial assistance towards medical costs for an operation. Most of the fury was vented on Lesedi FM during host Thuso Motaung’s show, on Lesedi FM – something Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie conceded to. He said the government had indeed failed artists in this country, promising to do better by them within a year.
Though initially the music bug did not catch on him despite being born into a musical family, Bogopane would eventually follow suit. As soon as he entered the tough music industry, he worked hard to rise to become star in his right, emulating his cousins who are the exponents of the 80s successful outfit Pure Gold whose catchy gospel music prowess, not only turned them into hit makers, but also darlings and festival essentials. Then there’s his uncle, Freddie Gwala who, to this day, remains the undisputed madamara king. A natty dresser whose neat, stylish sense of fashion reminds one of mbaqanga king, the late Mahlathini Simon Nkabinde.
At 17, Bogopane penned some of their multi-platinum snatching hits. Back then, his aspiration leaned on becoming a promoter. A chuckling music icon Blondie Makhene remembers how those dreams left him with a R6 000 phone bill. Doc who was on a roll, called the entire North West, organising shows.
“He was on a roll and I didn’t pay much attention until Telkom slapped me with that astronomical R6 000 bill. Back then that was a lot of money. I discovered early in the game that Do was brilliant at selecting hits on newly dropped offerings. He was always spot on, surpassing a team of seasoned industry players. Mind you he was only 17 years old.
“It was a given that he would be a mover and a shaker in the entertainment industry,” states Makhene, adding that he discovered many artists who are making waves in their own right today.
The loving, ever-jovial Doc set dance floors ablaze with monster hits like Ebumnandini, Ingagara, Monate So, a collaboration with Caper Nyoveste, Ghets Ghetsa, Sgumfete, among others.
He unleashed hip, happening outfits like Sgumfete. That’s where the late great kwaito whizz kid Brown Dash came from. Hip hop star Casper Nyovest gave Doc his flowers while he was still alive to appreciate them. He penned Doc, Doc Shebeleza, which remained on high rotation for months.
A true philanthropist, Doc was one of the few artists who put their money where their mouth is. Alongside artists across the spectrum, they performed around the country at his fundraising festivals. Proceeds thereof were used to build houses and distributing groceries to vulnerable members in various communities. Not to mention throngs of people he helped one way or another. He believed in rolling his sleeves and going to work, complimenting government’s efforts.
Some of the people he bailed out during their dark hours might not have made his funeral but said a prayer for his soul.
Those who knew him will miss his generous portion of positive energy and contagious happiness. He was laid to rest at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
