Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WHEN one is chosen by the ancestors to fulfil both a personal and spiritual purpose, the road to such a profound calling can often usher turmoil – especially if there is resistance or denial of the ancestral connection.
Despite showing signs of a deep sense of purpose that draws them towards a divinely guided path, some individuals choose to ignore these spiritual signals. However, the more one turns a blind eye, the more persistent and disruptive the ancestral spirits may become.
Like many who have received a spiritual calling and attempted to reject it, musician, “Gog ‘Bekezela” (real name Bothwell Nkomo) has not been spared the misfortunes that often follow such denial. His journey has been marked by significant personal losses — awards, cars, homes, including a house in one of Johannesburg’s leafy suburbs, as well as a family residence in Botswana.
The hardships escalated to the point of losing his marriage through divorce.
The first signs of his ancestral connection began to manifest during a visit to Zimbabwe. His time in Victoria Falls proved to be a spiritual awakening, offering clarity both physically and metaphysically.
“A close friend of mine asked me to do a thanksgiving show back home in Bulawayo at the Music Academy. I initially thought I’d return to Mzansi after just three days, but I ended up coming back after three years,” recalls Gog ‘Bekezela.
“Someone offered to take me to Victoria Falls and promised to cover the cost of my vacation. But remember, these are not just ordinary falls; they are a natural wonder, and if you have a spiritual calling, you may experience profound connections with nature there.”
“While I was at the falls, I prayed. I felt as though I was speaking to a higher being. Fortunately, no one interrupted me until I finished. That’s when I realised I had a spirit deeply connected with water,” he shared.
Gog’ Bekezela said his spirit wanted him around — to start and complete his rite of passage at home — around Zimbabwe and eventually in his village in Gwanda.
“From Victoria Falls, I thought I would travel to Harare and then go back to South Africa. Unfortunately, I was lying to myself. When I was done with my business in the capital, a spirit convinced me to go to Domboshava.
“Funny enough, when I got there, I didn’t behave like a tourist. Instead of touring, I started praying in Domboshava. My mind actually told me that God is the one directing me to the places of nature, while the other was in dispute,” said Gog’ Bekezela.
Before becoming famous as Bekezela, the man behind the hit song, Bekezela, the artiste was always a spiritual being.
He grew up at Guta Ra Mwari (GRM) and when he received his calling, he had been a worshipper at the church for 20 years. Despite GRM categorised as an African indigenous church, spiritually, there was a conflict between the religion and his calling.
“Remember, I found my wife at church, and she connected very well with the norms and beliefs of the congregation.
As a member for those 20 years, I was elevated to the rank of Umkhokheli (leader), just one step away from becoming an Umvangeli (Evangelist), which is the highest position in the leadership hierarchy,” recalls Gog’ Bekezela.
“When my calling started tormenting me, it created a massive conflict. As it became more serious, it coincided with the time I was about to be elevated at church. This caused a lot of misunderstandings between my wife and me, especially since she had a strong influence at church. Our interests clashed big time because of that,” he said.
When one answers a spiritual calling, a lot unfolds in life. Depending on the ancestral spirit you possess, for some, a dark cloud (isinyama) envelops them. You inherit negative curses that affect the entire family and one faces numerous life challenges during the initiation process.
While deep into his initiation, Gog’ Bekezela began losing many things.
“I divorced my beautiful wife in Botswana, with whom we have three lovely daughters, because of my calling. The divorce was painful; I lost everything — my house, cars and even my awards. The divorce papers stated that I could only keep things I personally owned, which were just my clothes.
“I started losing friends. I even lost my company, Creative Space, to a dear friend I trusted. Just because he was a lawyer, I made him a partner, but he disappointed me.
“I had an agreement with a producer to record an album for him, but because of this whirlwind, I couldn’t deliver the album and he sued me. I had to sell my car for peanuts just to pay for the lawsuit,” said Gog’ Bekezela.
As he was initiated by his own ancestors (spirit) at his rural home in Gwanda, Gog’ Bekezela endured immense suffering. Gigs were no longer coming his way and he faced the dire need to survive. It was then that his ancestors directed him to go to Bulawayo.
A tuckshop became his source of income, helping him make ends meet.
“When I arrived in Bulawayo, I picked one of my cards, not suspecting it had any money. I approached an ATM and to my surprise, I managed to withdraw US$200 (from nowhere). I used that money to buy wholesale groceries for resale back in Gwanda. That small income from the sales helped me survive,” said Gog’ Bekezela.
When depression hit him hard during his initiation, Gog’ Bekezela turned to his friend and fellow musician, Berita Khumalo, for support.
“My whole life was after fame. I believed I had everything — living in a leafy suburb, driving the car of my choice and having money to buy anything I desired. But I was empty in spirit.
“I remember, I suffered from depression and Berita was the first person to reach out to me after I opened up about it on social media. She had also been through depression, so she helped me tackle the situation.
“Even before that, I had struggled with depression. I didn’t handle Oliver Mtukudzi’s death very well. I had done a show with him in Bulawayo and we had connected spiritually. We even talked about a potential collaboration and then he passed away at a time when we were supposed to record,” said Gog’ Bekezela.
Now a certified Gobela, Gog’ Bekezela offers heartfelt advice to others who may be resisting their callings.
“Many young people are struggling with their spirituality but are scared or in denial. If you have a calling, you must be guided by your spirit to the right Gogo or Mkhulu. You can’t fake it. There are too many people being wrongly initiated by fake Gobelas. This does more harm than good to you, your family and those you’re supposed to help.”
Gog’ Bekezela is still human. He battles the same struggles many face, depression, especially during his darkest moments. At times, he finds comfort in the support of close friends like Berita.
Now, his life has come full circle.
“I’ve accepted my path. I help people, but I prefer to do so through music. Gone is the Bekezela who chased worldly fame and R800 haircuts. My music now is a fusion of traditional songs and folktales.”
His performances have become spiritual gatherings where music becomes medicine. And the world is taking notice again, he is receiving bookings, endorsements and preparing for an international tour.
“I interact with audiences on a spiritual level. We connect through the music. That’s the real magic.”
