Shebeshxt, the “Twerka” hitmaker, finally opened up on Tuesday, 3 September, about the tragic accident that claimed the life of his nine-year-old daughter, Onthatile Chauke. This marks the first time the musician, whose real name is Lehlogonolo Chauke, has spoken publicly about the incident, which occurred in June.
The Devastating Accident on the R37 Road
The accident took place on the R37 road near Smelters Mine in Limpopo, where Shebeshxt was traveling with his daughter, Onthatile, and a woman passenger. The Volkswagen Polo GTI they were in collided with a truck, causing the car to overturn. The collision was fatal for young Onthatile, who died at the scene, while Shebeshxt sustained severe injuries, requiring weeks of hospitalization. The woman passenger, however, suffered only minor injuries.
The Impact of Onthatile’s Death on Shebeshxt
The loss of his daughter was a devastating blow for Shebeshxt. The musician has been noticeably silent about the accident until recently, when he finally spoke out during the launch of his upcoming one-man show, scheduled for Saturday, 21 September, at the Polokwane Rugby Fields.
Speaking at the event, Shebeshxt revealed how close he came to quitting music after Onthatile’s death. He expressed that his daughter had been the primary reason for his decision to turn his life around and pursue a career in music.
A Turning Point: From Crime to Music
Before dedicating himself to music, Shebeshxt had been involved in criminal activities. However, the birth of his daughter Onthatile inspired him to leave his past behind and pursue a more positive and fulfilling path. “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,” he said during the launch event.
A Promise to Continue On
Although Onthatile is no longer physically present, Shebeshxt believes that her spirit continues to guide him. He vowed to keep making music and striving to be a better person, not only for his fans but also in memory of his daughter. “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 stated with emotion.
Support from Friends and Public Figures
In his statement, Shebeshxt also took the opportunity to express gratitude to his friends and supporters who stood by him during this difficult time. Among those he thanked was EFF leader Julius Malema, whose support had been particularly meaningful to him during his recovery and the grieving process.
The Road Ahead
As Shebeshxt prepares for his one-man show, the pain of losing his daughter is still fresh. However, his determination to honor her memory by continuing his music career is a testament to his resilience. The upcoming event will not only mark his return to the stage but also symbolize his journey of healing and transformation.
The tragic accident and its aftermath have undoubtedly shaped Shebeshxt’s perspective on life and music. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges artists often face behind the scenes and the strength it takes to overcome such personal tragedies.
