Mmabatho - Prof Jon Mogoro, the Premier of the North West, has dubbed HHP as a social poet and revolutionary. Speaking at the funeral of the late star at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, Mogoro said that HHP was one of the artists who formed part of rebuilding society's morality and it was clear in his lyrical work.
"The arts have always played an integral part influential role in shaping our society, especially through music. But it is time that we ask ourselves if we are living in that society. It is time that we occupy the rightful place, in the rebuilding and regeneration of morality in today's society. At least let us all do this to honour the legacy of Jabba, " he said.
"Let us not allow the passing of Jabulani to be in vain. Let us all work together to preserve his legacy by committing all our efforts to make this a better world," the premier added, echoing the words spoken by industry friend, rapper-turned-farmer Motlapele 'Molemi' Morule that we should not just name streets and buildings after him, but allow his legacy to multiply.
"He once said to me, 'Don't worry when I die, I will multiply." And to HHP he said, " HHP you built so many of us...you created superstars. Multimillionaires."
Jabba's wife, Lerato Sengadi is seated in front, next to her mother #HHPFuneral @SundayIndy @IOL pic.twitter.com/Rzw1T9WCw1
— Lesego Makgatho (@LesegoMakgatho) November 3, 2018
To showcase HHP's journey as a social poet and a revolutionary, the premier read out the lyrics to Harambe, sending a frisson of excitement through the entire hall.
#HHP- sister, mother and son sit together during their loved one's send off #RipHHP #RipJabba #HHPFuneral @SundayIndy @IOL pic.twitter.com/pBrQWuHvYW
— Lulama Amanda (@AmandaMaliba) November 3, 2018
The funeral is currently underway in Jabba's hometown Maftown, and he will later be laid to rest at Matlalong cemetery.
Premier says #HHP was what the young ones would refer to as 'ntja ya game' #HHPFuneral #RipHHP @SundayIndy @IOL
'He was both a social poet and a revolutionary' https://t.co/ZsexKELror pic.twitter.com/HrmD7FJERT
— Lulama Amanda (@AmandaMaliba) November 3, 2018
Harambe Lyrics:
I’m not the political type
Not the type to fake an image for the sake of this whole consciousness type
Never been called a kaffir before
Can’t imagine seeing 10 cops and dogs charging through my front door
Can’t say what teargas smell liked
Can’t even imagine what a rubber bullet on your back felt like
Can’t imagine holding guns in my palms
Can’t imagine ke go bona carrying Hector Peterson in your arms
But it’s because of you that I don’t speak Afrikaans today
I have a chance today, because of you Joe I can dance today
Without having to show you my pass
Self-employed because of you I don’t call no one a Bass
Because of you Joe I’m a star now
Black man who’s going far now
I’m the type of brother who can drink in any bar now
Because of you Joe I’m educated
Because of you the black youth of today is emancipated
Harambe… he… he… he
When I flipping Setswana o sa nkena
I’m on point like an antenna
Be forming you like loose burner
Keeping heads warm like a bandana
Everybody…
Ayanda Tsambo thanking all those who have stepped in and assist the Tsambo family #HHP #RipHHP
'He had time for us, as much as he had time for you' pic.twitter.com/SzTfDzf3EJ
— Lulama Amanda (@AmandaMaliba) November 3, 2018