JOHANNESBURG - I have lost a husband, my best friend, my road dog, my comedian, my selector, my favourite artist, my scrabble mate, the love of my life, Motho waka.
Those were the words of late Jabulani 'HHP' Tsambo's former partner Lerato Sengadi on Tuesday.
Dressed in all black and donning big sunglasses, Sengadi on Tuesday paid tribute to Tsambo in a letter she read out during the rapper's memorial service at Newtown Music Factory, formerly Baseline, in Newtown.
Earlier in a statement the rapper's family denied that she was Tsambo's wife, she was an ex-fiance who had moved out of his home and his life on her own accord last year.
Tsambo family spokesperson Nkululeko Ncana said:"I would like to put this matter to rest and categorically state on record that Ms Sengadi is not, and was never married to Jabulani. She is not his wife!"
Sengadi was surrounded by industry friends while she was reading the letter she wrote for Tsambo. She said she would normally spend this day with him because her birthday was on Wednesday.
Photo: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency/ANA.
“I guess this one is a little bit different but I know he will be there. I loved you when you didn’t love yourself, I loved you when you though you didn’t deserve to be loved. I loved you when others thought you were unlovable. I loved you when others were scared to love you,” an emotional Sengadi read a letter.
She said she fought for Tsambo even when she had to be a one woman army against so many.
"I loved you through happiness and pain, highs and lows, darkness and light, fear and pride. I find solace in knowing that even in your very, very last breath you knew that. You were so easy to love that even when you thought it was difficult it wasn’t, " She said trying to hold back tears.
"To the millions of lives he touched, careers he inspired and most importantly his beloved ‘fancestors’…it is well."
Photo: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency/ANA.
Sengadi thanked all those who prayed for them. "To those who were there when many turned a blind eye and stood and fought side by side with me I am eternally indebted to you".
"To those who have been pillars of strength and praying for us, I am so grateful. Please don’t stop because the road ahead is about to be wild and it is long and we have to stay equipped. Thank you," said Sengadi.
Lerato Sengadi reading the letter she wrote for HHP, surrounded by industry friends. Video: Simphiwe Mbokazi/ANA
She said she would continue to protect Tsambo in death as she did when he was still alive.
Hundreds of family, colleagues and friends celebrated the life of the late musician Tsambo with songs. Gauteng member of the executive council (MEC) for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Faith Mazibuko, DJ Fresh, Rapper Casper Nyovest, Kabomo, Simphiwe Dana, Theo Kgosinkwe and Sugar Smax were amongst those who attended the memorial.