Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, better known as the controversial Limpopo rapper Shebeshxt, has lived a life marked by both musical success and significant personal tragedy. His journey, punctuated by brushes with the law and a series of devastating car accidents, culminated in the heartbreaking loss of his nine-year-old daughter, Onthatile Chauke, in June 2024.
Shebeshxt’s public persona has always been that of a “bad boy,” a self-styled image reflected in his tattoos, streetwear fashion, and lyrics detailing “street life.” This image, however, masks a deeper reality: a family man grappling with the consequences of past actions and the devastating impact of recent events. Before his rise to fame, he faced charges including housebreaking, robbery, and stabbing.
His career trajectory has been as turbulent as his personal life. In August 2023, he was reportedly assaulted by a fan during a performance in Mohodi, Limpopo, sustaining facial injuries. This incident occurred just days after his release from prison, where he had spent four months following charges of assault (including discharging a firearm), attempted murder, and malicious damage to property. These charges stemmed from an incident in April 2023 where he allegedly fired shots at a family home in Ga-Mamaola village. While the firearm charges were later withdrawn in October 2023, the assault charges contributed to his time in custody.
Adding to the legal troubles, in December 2023, Shebeshxt faced further legal action in Botswana for allegedly breaching a performance contract. These legal battles paint a picture of a man struggling to reconcile his public image with his personal life.
The accident, his third in a single year, cast a long shadow over his life. Reports suggested he may have been driving under the influence of alcohol, a claim he vehemently denied. While investigations are ongoing, no arrests have been made in connection with the accident.
The loss of his daughter deeply affected Shebeshxt, prompting him to publicly share his grief and struggles on social media. He even revealed some of the scars he sustained in the crash. His one-man show, "Shebeshxt: The Return," served as a platform to confront his past and process his grief. The show, hosted by the Makoro Foundation and supported by various entities, marked his return to the stage after the accident.
At the launch of his show, Shebeshxt spoke openly about his daughter, stating, “She's the reason I wanted to change my life. I wanted to leave my old ways of doing crime and be a better person for her. But now, I know she might not be here in person, but she's a spirit. I'll continue being a better person not just for my fans but for her too.”
He also addressed the persistent rumours surrounding the accident, stating, “People said I was intoxicated, but on that night, I didn’t even touch any alcohol. I know I always get judged, but I wonder what made people think I had consumed alcohol and continue peddling lies.”
The support of fellow musician King Monada was also evident at the show launch. Monada offered words of encouragement, saying, "You're big, my brother, keep it that way. I want you to know you can't please everyone. Don't take it to your head when people tell you you're a big artist.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Shebeshxt expressed a desire for a less tumultuous year, focusing on his music and finding new reasons to pursue his career. “Everything I did was for my daughter and my family. Now I need to find another reason. But I hope for less drama in my life,” he said. “I want success, happiness and to have peace.” His journey, marked by both immense loss and a determination to move forward, continues to unfold.
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