Shebeleza sings a totally different tune
KWAITO legend Doc Shebeleza has hung up his mic to build houses for indigent gogos and child-headed households.
The hit maker has disappeared from the music scene for years, choosing instead to focus on his charity organisation, African Musicians Against HIV/Aids (Amaha).
In the past few years I have partnered with AfriSam [cement company], SABC and provincial governments to help build houses for the poorest of the poor who have been waiting for RDP houses for years and those who never made it onto the government list,” said Shebeleza.
A unique concept the muso came up with include honouring forgotten music legends and social activists through the houses he builds.
We are building a wall of fame’ where we name the houses after these selfless and legendary heroes and heroines. Each house bears a plaque with a picture and name of a legend and serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions they have made to this country, Shebeleza said.
Aids activist Criselda Kananda is one of the social activists honoured by Amaha. Some of the music legends on the wall of fame” are Babsy Mlangeni, Blondie Makhene, Thandi Klaasen, Abigail Kubeka, Jabu Khanyile, Lebo Mathosa, Rebecca Malope, Ringo Madlingozi and veteran actors Mabutho Kid” Sithole and Jerry Phele. Even comedian Kenneth Nkosi has a house named after him.
There are still many more to be honoured. We are killing two birds with one stone. We are creating monuments celebrating our icons while helping poor gogos, some of whom never owned a house in their lives,” said Shebeleza.
He said Amaha projects are currently running in Gauteng, Free State and KwaZulu Natal.
We make sure we use reputable small building contractors, and we stipulate that they should use locals for labour. In KZN the support from Mr Nogie Naidoo (ANC chief whip) and Dr Fikile Ndlovu from the Premier’s office was amazing,” Shebeleza said.
Asked whether he’ll ever go back to the studio, Shebeleza said working with the less fortunate is what makes his soul sing. It’s fulfilling and gives my life greater purpose.”