Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo Honoured at BVSM Awards and Restores His Musical Groove
Kwaito pioneer Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo found renewed inspiration at the fifth biennial Backing Vocalist and Session Musicians (BVSM) Awards held at Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, Soweto. The awards, organised by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, celebrate the unsung heroes behind South Africa’s music scene.
Sebitlo, whose work with Brothers of Peace (BOP) helped define the kwaito sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s, received a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside revered vocalists Shumi Diseko, Thembi Kubheka, and Tiny Mbuli. For Sebitlo, who has spent 30 years in the industry, the recognition came at a critical moment. “I was ready to quit the music industry, but this has restored my faith; I just have to adapt to new changes,” he said. “This is a great feeling, especially because I haven’t received any award despite seeing my peers win. It has been a long time coming.”
Sebitlo’s influence stretches across South African music, having collaborated with icons including Brenda Fassie, Boom Shaka, Black Coffee, Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Alaska, and Mafikizolo. He noted that the award not only honoured his legacy but also highlighted the contributions of the producers and instrumentalists who shape music behind the scenes.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka emphasised the importance of recognising these artists. “Backing vocalists and session musicians are the glue that binds our sound, the essence behind so many of our biggest hits. Their talent and dedication have shaped South African music into what it is today,” she said.
Phil Hollis, the pioneering producer who discovered Yvonne Chaka Chaka in 1984 and founded Dephon Entertainment, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. “It is absolutely fantastic. It has been 40 years since Yvonne started her journey with me. She used her platform as the Princess of Africa so well in other fields as a humanitarian and in other areas. I am very proud of her,” Hollis said.
The awards were hosted by Penny Lebyane and Mzwandile Ngubeni and honoured a wide range of artists and musicians across genres. Winners included Sunnyboy Mthimunye (Guitar), Michael Phillips (Bass Guitar), Camillo Lombard (Piano & Keys), David Klaasen (Drums), Veli Shabangu (Percussion), Khaya Dlamini (Woodwinds), Thasman (Digital Session Musician), Reuben Malgas (Best Male Vocalist), Nelisiwe Kunene (Best Female Vocalist), Mel Botes (Afrikaans Music), Albert Frost (Rock & Pop), Buhle Nhlangulela (Gospel), Mulalo Mukwevho (Reggae), Nomsa Magwaza (Traditional Music), Mark Fransman (Jazz Instrumentalist), Mimi Mtshali (Jazz Vocalist), Thatohatsi (Rookie Vocalist), Moscow On Keyz (Rookie Instrumentalist), Bez Roberts (Brass Section), and posthumous honours for Phumzile Ntuli.
The 2025 BVSM Awards shone a spotlight on the talented musicians and vocalists who form the backbone of South Africa’s music industry, with Sebitlo’s recognition marking a milestone in a storied career and inspiring a renewed commitment to his craft.
