WeeklySA_AdminPROLIFIC: Talented and versatile muso’s hallmark has been his staying power in the tough music industry…
By Jacob Mawela
Young and old music followers of the reggae-cum-RnB genre joined a colourful celebration on March 17 recognising South Africa’s seasoned musician Dr Victor following a glorious career spanning more than 40 years on the local music scene.
The momentous occasion, held at the Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park, was hosted by the Joburg Theatre and had fans jiving down nostalgia’s lane as they enthusiastically lent vocal support to one of the coolest dudes to ever endear himself into household folklore!
The Kimberley-born muso with the trademark fedora, real name Victor Khojane, enthralled the gathering on a festival day ably supported on-stage by home-girl Bianca Le Grange, the songstress who placed fourth in the first Idols South Africa reality contest back in 2002. Part of the whoopee too was local singer, Liesl Penniken, the erstwhile member of all-girl singing trio Jamali, who joined the troupe in belting out familiar beats and other standards – much to the hearty sing-along from the lively crowd!
Among other attendees were Dr Vic’s wife of 37 years, Shirley, local comedian Dillan Oliphant, City of Johannesburg’s Arts, Culture and Heritage director Vuyisile Mshudulu and SAfm broadcasters Elvis Presslin and Ashraf Garda, who compered the occasion.
A welcome address by Joburg theatres artistic director James Ngcobo, followed by the main speech delivered by Community Development MMC Lubabalo Magwentshu, kicked off the proceedings.
“Our tribute to Dr Victor is long overdue,” said Magwentshu. “We want to express our gratitude for bringing us joy through his memorable and catchy songs with the Rebels, which kept us on our feet and dancing with joy. He is a true music legend, and we want the world to never forget that. Hits like Tsoang Tsoang Tsoang were wedding songs everyone sang. How can we not celebrate?”
Thereafter, Eldos funny man Oliphant had the audience in stitches before a video of messages from people who have been an integral part of Dr Victor’s musical sojourn, such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, were relayed through two screens.
Later, in an interview with Garda, Dr Victor recalled his lengthy journey in music and mentioned ups and downs of balancing the rigours of a career with meeting his obligations to his family, including times when money was hard to come by during his band’s formative period.
Now, back at a venue located in the neighbourhood he briefly resided on his arrival from the Diamond City to pursue his dreams in the City of Gold, the goateed guitarist maestro recalled how yesteryear’s chartbuster Gimme Hope Jo’Anna changed his life.
Biographical synopsis of Dr Victor gleaned from a pre-event media release, Wikipedia and a website about Dr Victor, traces his early days beginning with him playing as a student in a band called CC Beat, mainly influenced by afro pop stars such as Blondie and Papa, Harare, Malombo and Jonathan Butler, as well as some Afro-American acts (mainly the Jackson Five).
In 1984, CC Beat began playing at nightclubs in Johannesburg. At the time, they managed to sign with the label, CCP Records (an affiliate of EMI), but the contract was later dismissed. Another label, Dephon Records, put them under contract shortly thereafter.
