#RIPHHP: Family confirms rapper's death, requests privacy

ANA FILE -- Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) also known as Jabulani Tsambo performs on the main stage on the last day of the Oppikoppi music festival in Northam, Limpopo, Saturday, 11 August 2007. Picture: Gerhard Uys/SAPA

ANA FILE -- Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) also known as Jabulani Tsambo performs on the main stage on the last day of the Oppikoppi music festival in Northam, Limpopo, Saturday, 11 August 2007. Picture: Gerhard Uys/SAPA

Published Oct 24, 2018

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Johannesburg - The family of rapper Jabulani Tsambo -- better known as HHP in the music industry -- has requested privacy following news of the artist's death. 

HHP died on Wednesday, a family spokesperson confirmed in a statement. 

"It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that Jabulani Tsambo, known to his fans as Hip Hop Pantsula passed away today, Wednesday, 24 October 2018.

"At the time of his passing he was 38 years old. He is survived by his wife, his parents, two sisters, his son and nephew."

The family requested privacy during this time and added that further information would be communicated in due course. 

More tributes poured in following news of the rapper's death, with Parliament and the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) remembering the Motswako maestro.

Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom in a statement said she was shocked to learn of HHP's death.  

"The committee is concerned that South Africa continues to lose some of its most influential artists at a young age [who are] brimming with potential to drive artistic contributions to economic growth.

"While we mourn this loss, we are cognisant of the immense contribution that HHP has given not only to the industry but to humanity in general. He was larger than life character that brought happiness through his music to throngs of music lovers in South Africa and beyond the borders of this country," said Tom.

She further said: "One of the markers of his contribution was his respect and appreciation for vernacular languages which he used as a vehicle to deliver his music".

The committee extended its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

F4SD president Mbahare Kekana meanwhile, said: " HHP motswako rapper has died. Bokone Bophirima (North West) and the country at large has lost dearly. A'sphelelanga !"

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Additional reporting by African News Agency (ANA)

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