YOUNG and old music followers of the reggae-cum-RnB genre flocked to the Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park on the Sunday afternoon of March 17, to join in the celebration recognizing seasoned guitarist-vocalist, Dr. Victor’s more than 40-year career in the South African music industry.
A tribute in the form of a musical shindig at the behest of the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Community Development, Lubabalo Magwentshu, the momentous occasion was hosted by the Joburg Theatre and had fans jiving down nostalgia’s lane as they enthusiastically lend vocal support to one of the coolest dudes to ever endear himself into household folklore!
The Kimberley-born muso with the trademark fedora enthralled the gathering on festival day ably supported onstage by homegirl, Bianca Le Grange (the songstress who placed fourth in the first Idols South Africa reality contest back in 2002) and local singer, Liesl Penniken (erstwhile member of the all-girl singing trio, Jamali) as they belted out familiar beats and other artists’ standards – to the sing along approval of the lively crowd!
Among others, attendees to the early Autumn gig included Dr Vic’s wife of 37 years, Shirley, local comedian, Dillan Oliphant (2012 Annual South Africa Comic’s Choice ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award winner), City of Johannesburg’s Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Vuyisile Mshudulu and SAfm broadcasters, Elvis Presslin and Ashraf Garda (who was the compere at the occasion.)
With proceedings commencing with a welcome address by the Artistic Director of Joburg City Theatres, James Ngcobo, MMC Magwentshu was then invited to the stage from where he delivered the following message in acknowledgement of the honouree’s life and career-long role on the country’s showbiz scape: “Our tribute to Dr. Victor is long overdue. 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?”
Eldos funny man, Dillan Oliphant was thereafter called onto the stage from where he had the audience in stitches for the duration of his appearance before a video of messages from people who have formed an integral part of Dr. Victor’s musical sojourn such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka was beamed onto two large screens flanking the stage.
Later, in an interview with Garda during an interlude in his set, 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 pending a juncture when money was hard to come by in his band’s formative period.
Now, at a venue located in a neighbourhood he momentarily resided in having arrived from the Diamond City to pursue his dreams in the City of Gold, the goateed guitarist maestro famous for lyrics lopsided in favour of females’ perspectives recalled with the relief of hindsight: “’Gimme Hope Jo’Anna’, changed my life.”
Following is a biographical synopsis of Dr. Victor as gleaned from a pre-event media release by the Joburg Theatre, Wikipedia and a website:
About Dr Victor
Victor Khojane, a.k.a. Dr. Victor began playing when he was a student, in a band called CC Beat, mainly influenced by afro pop stars such as Blondie and Papa, Harare, Malombo Band and Jonathan Butler, as well as some Afro-American acts (mainly the Jackson Five).
In 1984, CC Beat began playing 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.
CC Beat changed their name to ‘Taxi’ and did sessions for Lucky Dube and other bands.
In 1991, the band changed label again, signing for the independent label CSR. They recorded their first album, an Eddy Grant tribute titled, The Rasta Rebels. This work – which gave them their first hit single ‘Gimme Hope Jo’Anna’ – was highly successful, to the point that they decided to change the name of the band to Rasta Rebels.
About the same time, Khojane adopted the pseudonym Dr. Victor.
Dr. Victor then recorded a few solo albums, such as Badayo, Hello Afrika, and One Goal, One Wish.
All these works were quite successful in South Africa, Dr Victor was invited to open for international stars such as Paul Simon, Gloria Estefan and Janet Jackson. In 1997, Dr Victor’s album Faya was his first work to get international attention, selling well in France, Mexico, Japan and the Middle East.
At the end of the 1990s, Dr. Victor reunited The Rasta Rebels, and a collection, The Best of the Rasta Rebels with one unreleased track, “I Love to Truck”, was released.
Both the collection and the new song, published as a single, sold well. In the following years, Dr Victor has alternated solo productions (such as Sunshine Daze in 2003 and If You Wanna Be Happy in 2004) and Rasta Rebels albums (When Somebody Loves You Back, 2006).
For more than 20 years Dr. Victor & the Rasta Rebels have been regarded as the ultimate party band in South Africa.
Dr. Victor has been crafting and creating an uplifting, up tempo sound that has earned this singer, musician, songwriter and producer an enviable reputation on the South African music scene and many devoted fans all over the world.
He has won two SAMA Awards, for “Shambala” and “Sunshine Daze” from his remixes album. Their album “Best of the Rasta Rebels” received double Gold status.
The band “If You Wanna be Happy” followed by “When Sombebody loves you Back” received airtime on all major radio stations.
Dr. Victor released another three solo albums and toured France, the UK and the Middle East.
Their “Greatest Hits Album” was followed by a Greatest Hits Live DVD at Emperors Palace and they still keep on filling the dance floors wherever they play.
All images top- Jacob MAWELA (Dr. Victor- born Victor Khojane, potrayed in full cry whilst performing at his tribute celebration at Don Mateman Hall, Eldorado Park).
