South African rapper Jabulani Tsambo, better known by his stage name, Hip Hop Pantsula, HHP is dead. He died at the age of 38.
The news was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon after speculation broke out on social media.
South African singer HHP is dead, aged 38
The rapper, who had been battling with mental illness for a number of years, died at the age of 38 – but the cause of death has yet to be revealed.
The news was confirmed to the media by HHP’s wife and publicist, Lerato Sengadi
Amidst speculation on social media that the rapper was no more, Sengadi spoke to Tshisa Live and said: “Yes, yes, it’s true. I am with the family at the moment.”
Most social media followers first caught wind of the news when rapper AKA tweeted that another notable figure in local music had passed away.
This led to a flurry of questions, with many users desperate to find out who it might be.
Before long, however, the name HHP began to pop up a few more times and many fans were hoping that the speculation would not turn out to be true.
The rapper opened up about his battle with depression in recent times.
Jabba, as he was affectionately known, admitted to having attempted suicide on at least three occasions in his life. He claimed to have tried to kill himself in different ways before deciding to change his outlook on life.
HHP was one of South Africa’s most iconic musicians and is widely hailed as a pioneer of modern hip hop. He was adored by many and his death will certainly be keenly felt.
