The "underworld" in Omoseye Bolaji's Tebogo and the Haka

The “underworld” in Omoseye Bolaji’s Tebogo and the Haka


By Raselebeli Khotseng

To many people, the world of pubs, women of easy virtue, alcohol is that of the “underworld”. A common comment about many of Omoseye Bolaji’s works of fiction is that a lot of the action is often centred in taverns or shebeens! This is particularly true as regards the Tebogo Mystery series. There is plenty of action in shebeens in Tebogo Fails and Ask Tebogo as usual.

Hence it is no surprise that in his latest work, Tebogo and the Haka (2008) a lot of the action takes place at the Club or shebeen, strangely called The Haka itself. We see Tebogo Mokoena the investigator visiting the place every time during his stay in Ladybrand, and he certainly enjoys himself, relaxing, quaffing, drinking, meeting all sorts of people.

Really many might wonder: how important are shebeens- for black people? The answer is obvious enough: apart from so many taverns and shebeens in towns and cities targeting the black people, it is fascinating that in the townships, virtually every street has at least one or two shebeens frequented by so many.

So what are the attractions of shebeens? Obviously the first is the alcohol itself, biri . In the shebeens the alcohol always flows and the sellers often make sure it is ice cold– you can buy at almost anytime of the day, especially during the weekends. Many people go into debt heavily not minding, so long as they can pay their debts at the end of the month or when convenient. I have seen cases of some people owing as much as a thousand rand monthly to settle debts for alcohol.

At shebeens there is always this ambience of excitement and fizz, people throng the places, talk, exchange quips and even share bottles together. During big matches,– especially soccer,– many people gather to support their local team or the national team,– at the 2007 Rugby World Cup many people enjoyed the games at the shebeens.

Then there is the music – at such places assorted music is played often till late in the night during weekends. The atmosphere is informal and people can also bring their own beloved brands of music. It is an excuse for music unlimited, with loudspeakers blaring forth very loud music with the patrons enjoying; all the while the drinks are flowing.

Needless to say at the shebeens and taverns there are many women who come and add spice to the whole atmosphere. Whilst it is not true that most of the ladies who frequent shebeens are cheap or waiting to be picked up, a fair number of them are. At worst they believe they can get men to buy drinks for them at such places, and if anything happens afterwards? Ladies, after some drinks, become liberated and become the heart and soul of such assemblages.

Omoseye Bolaji, time and again uses riveting scenes from the shebeens to make his fiction more exciting. In Tebogo and the Haka, with Tebogo’s wife Khanyi thousands of kilometres away overseas, the protagonist can enjoy the company of ladies at the shebeen or Club, the likes of Brenda, Maki and Charlotte. Of course he still succeeds in solving the mysteries as usual talk of mixing business with pleasure!