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Langalakhe Mabena
South Africa based musician and culturist Bothwell “Bekezela” Nkomo, who now trades as Gog’ Bekezela has explained his spiritual calling which led to him being christened with a name in line to the spirit which possessed him.
When many thought he no longer afforded to compose a hit song like Bekezela which took many by storm, Gog’ Bekezela said he was laying low for two good years seeking spiritual clarity.
In order to understand who, he was and eventually graduate through the initiation passage, the healer had to travel between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana looking for answers that troubled his soul.
Upon his return from the graduation, Gog’ Bekezela graced the Inxwala memorial performance lecture at the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) — as a way of remembering and providing teaching on different ceremonies that were done during Inxwala ceremony.
Gog’ Bekezela was the co-ordinator of the event which saw numerous culture enthusiasts attending the event including Chief Dakamela, Dr Gasolo, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Ashely Siwela, and Ntando Ndlovu among others.
In a sideline interview with Culture Mag, Gog’ Bekezela explained the reason and meaning behind the new name that he identifies with.
“When I came back from the initiation process, I had to return to the music stream but in a different dimension meaning I am no longer an entertainer like before, as I am now more of an educator. I am a different being now, who has a task to make sure our culture is embraced.
“For me to be called Gogo is not strange because I am a Gogo spiritually. When you see me you see only the flesh but, there are ancestors that govern me on this path. As Bothwell or Bekezela I can’t heal a person or help you grow spiritually. But isalukazi esingembetheyo (my spirit) is the one that can perform all those things.
“So when you see me you see two versions: the Bekezela you grew up with in flesh, but spiritually I am a Gobela (healer). The spirits that I walk with are the ones that are leading me in doing these cultural events where you see me singing traditional songs and these lectures.
“Way back, when they were crowning leaders be it Kings or Chiefs, they were anointed with special traditional ointments that will make them powerful with spirits of those who ruled before them so that they can be blessed with courage that yesteryear leaders possessed.
“As I walk here I am not representing myself. For those who are blessed with the spiritual eye, they can see the people I am walking with who are aboMkhulu, even those from the water are there, but I identify as Gog’ Bekezela because this is the strong spirit within me,” he said.
Gog’ Bekezela revealed that more traditional lectures and events will be conducted through his spirit, so as to guide and protect the culture of the people.
Online Reporter