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UPDATE: HHP will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mahikeng
24 October, 21:36 - Mourners gather outside HHP's house in Randburg
It was emotions of sadness and grief outside Jabulani Tsambo's home in Randburg, Johannesburg as many gathered to pay respect to him following his untimely death.
Many described him as a person with a warm and welcoming heart who was passionate about uplifting other artists.
(Photo: Sesona Ngqakamba)
24 October, 18:53 - HHP's family ask for privacy as they mourn his death
The family of hip-hop star HHP confirmed his death to media gathering outside his house. In a statement read out to reporters on the scene the family asked for privacy.
Details regarding the funeral of the late music icon will be released at a later stage. No further information was released.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
The South African Department of Arts and Culture paid tribute to the late hip-hop star, HHP.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of South African hip-hop legend and one of the pioneers of Motswako music, Jabulani Tsambo popularly known as Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP),” the department tweeted.
“Born in Mafikeng on 14 September 1980, HHP was a great advocate for African languages which he masterfully fused with substance and flow like no other and he will deservedly go down as one of the most influential and impactful SA Hip Hop artists of his generation.”
24 October, 18:28 - Friends and family gather outside the house of HHP
Friends and family have started arriving at the home of HHP. According to News24 journalist on the scene, Sesona Ngqakamba everyone is in total shock of the news of the hip-hop star's untimely death.
24 October, 17:52 - DJ Cleo remembers his last phone call with HHP
DJ Cleo has shared a screenshot of his last conversation with rapper HHP just days before the hip-hop star's untimely death.
"He was the funniest person you'll ever meet. He was also random. He only spoke to you when he felt like it. I could never find him when I want him but when he calls he'll want to speak for 10 hours," DJ Cleo told DRUM.
24 October, 17:42 - The ANC in North West pay tribute to HHP
The ANC in the North West on Wednesday released a statement to the media in which it mourns with great sadness the death of hip-hop star Jabulani Tsambo – better known as HHP.
“His artistic expression and using vernacular became part of social cohesion, his humility, modesty and phenomenal ambassadorship of the Tswana language makes him an undisputed cultural activist,” the statement read.
“The ANC leadership in North West will in due course visit the family to pay its condolences.”
24 October, 16:52 - Fikile Mbalula pays tribute to HHP
Former South African Deputy Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula, expressed his condolences on the loss of hip-hop musician, HHP.
"HHP was a pioneer of a culture, through his music, his rhythm, rhymes, poetry and persona he inspired a generation of young people who used him to frame themselves to what they could be if they work as hard," he wrote in a tweet.
SEE THE PULL POST HERE:
24 October, 16:10 - HHP on how he would like to be remembered
In a 2016 interview with DRUM, HHP spoke candidly about his struggle with depression and how helping others in need has always been his passion.
"People won’t remember HHP for Music & Lights any more – they’re going to remember me for reminding them that they have to do something for someone else," he said.
- Read the full interview here
24 October, 15:44 - Remembering a hip-hop legend in song: 6 HHP hits
HHP had a slew of hits that sailed up the charts in his career that spanned decades and that left an indelible mark on the local music industry.
- Click here to listen to some of his greatest hits.
24 October, 15:34 - HHP's cause of death not yet known
There has been lots of speculation online on HHP's cause of death but no official word from the family. In a 2017 interview with Gareth Cliff on CliffCentral.com the hip-hop star revealed that he tried to commit suicide three times before.
“This voice came to me and said ‘Dude‚ if you really want to die‚ you need to live. If you really want to die‚ you need to do that shit that you’ve always wanted to do and you’ve always been scared of doing and one of those is speaking my mind,’” he told Gareth.
24 October, 15:10 - News of HHP's death sends shockwaves through social media
The news of HHP's death sent shockwaves through social media. Taking to social media, a number of celebrities and fans expressed their heartbreak over the 38-year-old’s sudden passing.
24 October, 14:50 - SA hip-hop star HHP (38) dies
Jabulani Tsambo, better known by his stage name Hip Hop Pantsula, has died at the age of 38.
Known to his fans by his nickname Jabba, the local Motswako MC performed in several languages. Speaking to The Juice, HHP's booking agent, Ofentse Mothusi, confirmed the musician's death. According to Mothusi, HHP died around 12:00 on Wednesday.
The hip-hop star's wife, Lerato Sengadi, confirmed the news of his death to TshisaLIVE. No further details are available as yet.
