HHP

HHP Image via Twitter @KEKANAEZEKIEL

‘What would summer be without Jabba?’ Remembering HHP [watch]

HHP was an extraordinary rapper who was in a league of his own. His wife Lerato Sengadi honours his legacy with a surprise song release.

HHP

HHP Image via Twitter @KEKANAEZEKIEL

When you talk about South African hip-hop, HHP is one of those names that you simply cannot forget to mention. Jabulani Tsambo better known as HHP would’ve been 41 years old on 14 September 2021 and what better way to remember him than to go back in time and reminisce on his music. 

ALSO READ: Hip-hop to rock! Tresor flies high with the legendary Metallica [listen]

HHP’S IMPACT ON SA HIP-HOP

HHP kick-started his career in a group called Verbal Assassins whose only album Party, was produced by Sello Chicco Twala. This was HHP’s first big break in music but the group went their seperate ways in 1997. He was known for his mind-blowing rapping skills in Setswana and became one of the most prominent Setswana rappers in South Africa. 

HHP always referred to his hometown Mafikeng as Maf-town in his music and that stuck for a lot of young artists.

The rapper spread his wings and released incredible music over the years. Some of his most popular songs are Mpitse, Tswaka and the summer hit no one can forget, Music N Lights. This song made you want to grab a Fanta Pineapple just because HHP rapped about it!

LERATO SENGADI REMEMBERS HHP

HHP’s wife Lerato Sengadi is remembering his legacy with a remix of one of his popular songs Nkaofa. She executive produced the track and featured Focalistic on the release. She commended Focalistic for bringing the right energy and spirit to the track. 

Sengadi said the idea of the song started off with her wanting to gift her husband a song on his birthday. 

“I put my entire heart into making this track. I’ve never executive produced a track before but because Motho was guiding me every step of the way, we created a banger!!!!”

ALSO READ: ‘Idols SA’ star Lloyiso makes history with Republic Records! [watch]

BATTLING WITH DEPRESSION

HHP battled with depression for years. Close friend and rapper Motlapele “Mo’ Molemi” Morule said HHP “struggled with questions that couldn’t be answered.” In 2016, HHP shared that he had attempted to take his own life three times. Speaking to Drum, he said: “People won’t remember HHP for Music N’ Lights anymore – they’re going to remember me for reminding them that they have to do something for someone else.” 

HHP passed away on 24 October 2018 and it was reported that he died from taking his own life. 

He had an incredible music career and had been nominated for 20 different awards and won 11. He also earned himself a BET nomination in 2010 for best international act. 

HHP will always be remembered as a fierce rapper who always gave his all in his music. 

LISTEN TO ‘NKAOFA 2.0’ FEATURING FOCALISTIC HERE