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.
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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 Maftown, YBA 2 NW and Acceptance Speech.
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.
Source: thesouthafrican.com
