Amid the shock and sadness following HHP’s untimely death, fans and fellow musicians flocked to social media to pay homage to the late hip-hop legend.
One Twitter post stood out, sparking a debate about South African musicians dying before the age of 40.
The user listed the names and ages of local musicians who passed away just before or at the age of 38. He wrote:
"Flabba died age 37
Mandoza died age 38
Lundi died age 38
Sfiso Ncwane died age 37
Prokid died age 37
Now HHP... died at age 38?
We just carry on like it's all a coincidence?
Flabba died age 37
Mandoza died age 38
Lundi died age 38
Sfiso Ncwane died age 37
— TJR Makhetha (@TJRMakhetha) October 24, 2018
He went on to mention members of “27 Club", which is a colloquial name given to a group of influential rock musicians who died at the age of 27.
The website 27 Club members also lists some of the greatest musicians who died before the age of 30.
If you google "the 27 club" you'll see that in the states and UK they have a string of musicians die at age 27. In SA, it looks like we have a 37/38 club.
Call me a conspiracy theorist but the music industry is dark. It's not just strings and blings.
— TJR Makhetha (@TJRMakhetha) October 24, 2018
This could be a mere coincidence or fate, however, even the legendary Brenda Fassie died at the age of 39.
Does South Africa really feature under some invisible "clubs" radar somewhere? Fans seem to think so.
Here are some of the Twitter reactions to the theory:
Today it's The 24th of Oct
24 + 10 = 34
The year is 2018
34 - 18 = 16
The time is 10 PM
16 - 10 = 6
30'something.
New Average life span? pic.twitter.com/vUrveqYAHS
— Donald (@madona_macdee) October 24, 2018
Mzansi needs to pray
— Sam Mokgoloboto (@SamMokgoloboto) October 25, 2018
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in on social media for fallen rapper, Hip Hop Pantsula. The "Bosso ke Mang" hitmaker passed away at his home in Randburg on Wednesday. His cause of death is yet to be disclosed.
The Siwelele Family salutes Jabulani #HHP Tsambo for his contribution to entertainment industry and for paving the way for many artists.
Condolences to the family, friends, fans and supporters.
Tsela tshweu Jabba Man Senganga. #RIPHHP
✊🏾 #LoveSiwelele pic.twitter.com/0BuVPVV6O3
— Bloemfontein Celtic (@Bloem_Celtic) October 25, 2018
He changed my life through his music. He inspired me and millions more. Let us try and reach out to each other more when we know people are going through things. I am guilty of never picking up the phone and calling just to give a few words of encouragement. I loved him! #RipHHP pic.twitter.com/hSwNtTHF3j
— Thomas Gumede (@ThomasGumede) October 25, 2018
Let the chariot play it ‘til eternity... Nirvana awaits #RIPHHP... pic.twitter.com/o8g4tIHJwM
— Nomzamo Mbatha (@NomzamoMbatha)
And