By Lebogang Mokae
Picture by Lebogang Mokae
Victor Johannes Khujane, known as “Dr Victor,” a guitarist for over 45 years and leader of the music group ‘Rasta Rebels’, was born and reared in the diamond city.
The multi-talented Khujane family had six siblings, four brothers and two sisters. Dr Victor’s family were forced to relocate from Barkley Road to No.5 Vergenoeg.
Dr Victor said his interest in the guitar started at 12, inspired by a gentleman who roamed their neighbourhood playing a guitar. “He would drink so much that he often left it with my mother, who would keep it safe for him. The gentleman did not return for a long time and I always wanted to play this instrument. One day I plucked up enough courage and began messing around with the cords. I used to practice the guitar until my fingers hurt,” he remembers.
“To keep my passion under control, my mother devised a plan. Because we had a communal tap, she assigned me a small chore of filling two drums with water daily after school; my reward was to play the guitar for two and a half hours,” added Dr Victor
He continued, “I enjoyed my childhood. There was always music and laughter at our house. My parents stretched and shared the little they had. My father took us to Langley in Riverton for the holidays, especially during Easter and Christmas, a treat we eagerly awaited all year. I entertained the family with this “inherited” guitar.”
“I used to get a lot of hiding from my father for playing on the streets back then because he thought I was humiliating the family by begging for money on the streets. We were young and did it for fun, sometimes playing at the Indian center,” he chuckles.
He said his break came in 1978 during a talent competition at the then Lyric Cinema, which was used for various activities. Khujane and a friend, David August, won the first prize and were awarded guitars. “My first official guitar. I’ll never forget that night because it was the first time we felt we had arrived and were unstoppable. Because of him, I had the guts and grit to pursue music,” he said excitedly.
Their first “professional event” was at the West End Mental Hospital, where his mother worked as a nurse. “The humbling part, which I will never forget, was seeing people dancing before we started playing. I appreciate the then Management of the hospital for offering me that opportunity, my first professional gig to showcase my talent. The audience enjoyed the concert. Back then, we made music with love and enthusiasm, so money was not a factor,” reminisced Dr Victor.
In 1981, Dr Victor and five band members moved to Johannesburg in search for greener pastures. However, things did not go as expected; they started backing up established artists such as William Mthethwa, Ricardo, Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and others for ten years before getting a chance to record their Album.
They also collaborated with other bands, including Taxi and The Young Ones – a Kimberley-based band.
According to Dr Victor, things were tough at first, living from one pawn shop to another. The guitarist recorded songs like Jehovia, which did not do well. It wasn’t until he released “Give me hope Johanna” with CCPEMI Records that the Rasta Rebels’ star began to shine.
He got the “Dr” title because there were four vocalists in the ensemble of five and they used one broken microphone, which constantly needed fixing; he always fixed the problem which earned him the name.
Khujane met his wife and now Manager in Durban 36 years ago. They are married with three children, aged 32, 29 and 22.
“I’ve never worked a single day because all I know is making music. I compose music until I fall asleep, whether gospel or pop, etc.,” he said.
The musician still gives back to the community by performing at certain charity events, “everything begins with passion and money follows afterward. You may be skilled, but you will never make it without love for your craft,” he warns.
His parting words to aspiring musicians are, “persevere, have faith, keep trying and follow your heart. Don’t chase after money; it will always be there. Practice to perfect your skill and keep in mind that it is a long road.”
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