HHP remembered

Mafikeng – The Department of Arts, Culture Sport and Recreation in partnership with the Jabulani “HHP” Tsambo’s family will host unveiling of the tombstone in honour of the late Motswako rapper in his hometown, Mahikeng. Jabulani ‘Jabba’ Tsambo was born on 14 September 1980 and died on 24 September October 2018. “Jabulani” as he was better known by his stage name, Hip Hop Pantsula performed his music using several languages mostly in Setswana. He was known for bringing South African hip hop and motswako rap into the mainstream music space. HHP was the music icon who later became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists. His music career started at a very young age when he met the renowned producer, Chicco Twala who produced his debut album, the album he did with a friend “Party”. The two later split and he worked with Issac Mthethwa on his debut solo album which was an introduction to new, vibrant and innovative genre that came to be known as Motswako in 2000. String of albums followed thereafter which included, ‘Maf-Town’ 2001 a tribute to the town of Mafikeng, ‘O mang’2003, ‘O Mang Reloaded’ 2004, ‘YBA 2 NW’ 2005, ‘Acceptance Speech’ 2007, ‘Music and Lights’, Acceptance Re-Written’ in 2008, ‘Dumela’ 2009 and Motswafrika’, 2011. Tsambo received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Traditional Achievement Music Awards (SATMA) in 2017. Outside music, HHP appeared on one TV special quiz show “Test the Nation” as a Team Captain representing fathers. He won third season of the reality dance show “Strictly Come Dancing” along with his professional dance partner Hayley Bennet. In 2019 a memorial lecture was hosted in his honour attended by musicians including motswako artists. A lecture was delivered by Dr J.J Tabane at the Mmabatho Civic Centre. nwnewspapers@gmail.com