South Africans and Hip Hop fans are shocked to hear of the untimely passing of the Hip Hop icon Jabulani Tsambo alias Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP)
The South African rapper passed on at the age of 38 however, the cause of his death is not yet known, the rapper earlier reports seems to suggest it may have been a suicide since he had been open about his battle with depression in the recent years.
His wife Lerato Sengadi ,who was also his publicist, has confirmed the news and issued a statement that read in part, “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that Jabulani Tsambo, known to his fans as Hip Hop Pantsula passed away today,
The rapper has left behind one widow and a son. However has request privacy during this time of mourning. Once all arrangements have been made, the family will make further communication.”
South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, has sent out its condolences to the rapper’s family.
“The ANC joins millions of South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists, and individuals in our country,” read part of the statement
Thousands of South Africans have taken to social media to pay their respects to him.
Details about his untimely death are still scanty.
Thousands of his fans worldwide have taken to social media to pay their respects to him.
Having heard that #HHP 's death might be a result of #depression, I took some time reading the blogs, articles and following some social media depression activists/ pages. This is very serious and I wish people could open up and get rid of the "I'm strong" mentally. pic.twitter.com/uhytA3SH4z
— Rorisang Patrick Mabusela (@Mabusela_RP) October 25, 2018
Today with sadness in our hearts, we say goodbye to another great #SouthAfrican talent. Our prayers go out to the family. #HHP #Jabba #RIP pic.twitter.com/CCGyDclmA3
— DJ Ready D (@DJReadyD) October 24, 2018
Brenda Fassie died at 39
Mandoza died at 38
Gugu Zulu died at 38
Lundi died at 38
Sfiso Ncwane died at 37
Pro Kid died at 37
Now #HHP has died at 38, this is a sad and scary trend😢#RIPHHP #RIPJabba pic.twitter.com/jSiTsTr1e8— Moses (@Moses_Buju_M) October 24, 2018
The ANC sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Jabulani Tsambo, affectionately known as HHP.
HHP has been a consistent icon of South African hip hop and his passing is a great loss to the South African Arts and Culture Industry. pic.twitter.com/TB9bd5XLfP
— #Khawuleza #BeTheRenewal (@MYANC) October 24, 2018
The award-winning artist, is seen as the man who made South African hip hop popular, singing in indigenous languages, at a time when most local artists were imitating American-style rap.
Tsambo completed his high schooling at St. Alban’s College in Pretoria where he attended with Roger Goode He was initially part of a group called Verbal Assassins, working closely with producer Tebogo Rameetse. In 1997, he and his school friends met with producer Chicco Twala who produced their debut album, Party. However, the band split soon after the release of Party. Pantsula had his next album, Introduction, produced by singer and producer Isaac Mthethwa, and recorded in different South African languages such as Setswana.
li
Pantsula frequently used the phrase “Maf-town” in his music, which refers to his hometown, Mafikeng, of South Africa’s North West province He is popular known for the Motswako phrase “Make Tswana Fashionable”. In 2004 he released O Mang, an album that saw him reuniting with his old school friend, Tebogo Rameetse as the producer of a track entitled On My Own. He was honored in September 2007 in the inaugural Mafikeng Golden Stars Awards held at the Mmabana Convention Centre.
Pantsula released Acceptance Speech in December 2007 with its first single, Music & Lights, whose music video feature Danny K and US R&B Star Amerie.
In December 2009 Pantsula released his seventh studio album Dumela. That same year, he collaborated with South African rapper Proverb on a song entitled “Breadwinners”, again featuring Tebogo Rameetse on production. He co-chaired a record label, Lekoko Entertainment