RUSTENBURG - Late iconic motswako rapper, Jabulani Tsambo known as Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) in music circles, was a true ambassador of the North West province, Premier Job Mokgoro said on Thursday.
"HHP was a true ambassador of the province of the North West and has left an indelible mark on the South African popular culture and music industry. May his soul rest in peace," Mokgoro said, conveying condolences, on behalf of the North West provincial government and the people of the North West, to HHP’s family, friends and colleagues.
Tsambo died on October 24, aged 38. He is survived by his wife, his parents, two sisters, his son and nephew. The family have requested privacy.
Mokgoro said that HHP was a pioneer in his music genre and made the Setswana language more fun and fashionable through his lyrics as well as putting Mahikeng and the province on the centre stage wherever he performed.
Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs, Boitumelo Moiloa also sent condolences to the family and friends.
"The country as a whole, particularly the people of the North West province have lost a legend in the music industry. HHP has made us proud, ensuring that our Tswana culture is well known and appreciated in the whole world. He never forgot his roots, where he came from and this was one of the things I appreciated about him," said Moiloa.
"Indeed the spear of the nation has fallen whilst much was still expected from him. We, however are comforted by the fact that he left an indelible mark in the collective psyche of the nation through the instrument of arts and culture. May your rest in peace."