hip-hop pantsula hhp south african news today

Source: Instagram / @jabbaman_1

South African Hip-Hop pioneer Hip-Hop Pantsula has passed away

A sad day in South African music.

hip-hop pantsula hhp south african news today

Source: Instagram / @jabbaman_1

It has just been revealed that South Africa’s Hip-Hop pioneer, Hip-Hop Pantsula (HHP) has passed away on Wednesday. Jessica Levitt and Karishma Thakurdin from Times Live revealed that the rapper’s wife, Lerato Sengadi, confirmed the news.

Sengadi, who also played a vital role in HHP’s successful career, struggled to hold it together as she delivered the news.

“Yes, yes, it’s true. I am with the family at the moment,” she told the publication.

Edgar Makgeledise, the family’s spokesperson, in a statement, confirmed the sad news.

“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that Jabulani Tsambo, known to his fans as Hip Hop Pantsula passed away today, Wednesday, 24 October 2018. At the time of his passing, he was 38-year-old. He is survived by his wife, his parents, two sisters, his son and nephew.

“The Tsambo’s request privacy during this time of mourning. Once all arrangements have been made, the family will make further communication.”

Who is Hip-Hop Pantsula (HHP)?

HHP, born Jabulani Tsambo, was born on 14 September 1980. He grew up in Mafikeng, Pretoria, a township that would play a central role in the late 90s-early 00s era of Hip-Hop.

Read – Legendary South African musician ProKid passes away after severe seizure

Debates in the corridors of South African Hip-Hop historians still ring loud on who exactly pioneered Motswako rap between HHP and his hometown cohort, Khuli Chana.

HHP’s success saw him release critically-acclaimed and commercially successful albums such as MaftownYBA 2 NW and Acceptance Speech.

In one of his most successful single releases, HHP brought American singer, Amerie, on board for the remix of Music & Lights.

Circumstances surrounding HHP’s death

Sengadi, who was with the family at the time she revealed the news to Times Live, stated that, at this point in time, it was not possible to say what the cause of HHP’s passing was.

It is public knowledge that the rapper was, for the past two years, battling with depression and the urge to end his life.

Social media reacts to the news of HHP’s death

The rapper’s fans and enthusiasts of South African music were rocked by the news of HHP’s passing, at the age of 38.

AKA, a popular South African rapper, could not hold back his disbelief at the news he had just heard.

Other fans could not believe how, in one year, two of South Africa’s HIP-HOP pioneers could pass away at such a relatively young age.