By MURUGI GICHOVI

Jabulani Tsambo also popularly known as “HHP”/ HipHop Pantsula, has died.

HHP’s wife Lerato Sengadi, who doubles as his publicist, has confirmed the news and issued a statement that read in part, “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-year-old. He is survived by his wife, his parents, two sisters, his son and nephew.The Tsambo’s request privacy during this time of mourning. Once all arrangements have been made, the family will make further communication.”

The circumstances of his death have not been confirmed but HHP had openly struggled with depression in recent years.

Thousands of his fans worldwide have taken to social media to pay their respects to him.

The award-winning artist, 38, is seen as the man who made South African hip hop popular, singing in indigenous languages, at a time when most local artists were imitating American-style rap.

HHP is one of the pioneering artists of the successful SA hip-hop subgenre motswako (Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest, Fifi Cooper etc.). He is also one of the first rappers to successful.

The “Bosso” rapper had just released a new EP aptly titled Feels Good To Be Back after a short hiatus from releasing solo music. He had also worked with Kenyan rappers Wangechi and King Kaka on a track titled Tulia tu in 2014.