The tragic life of hip-hop’s HHP
OUTPOURING OF SORROW: DETAILS NOT KNOWN YET
South Africans yesterday grieved the death of the star who battled depression.
‘Jabba’ suffered from depression and tried to kill himelf three times in 2015.
‘Motswako music will never be the same.”
That’s what the many fans of hip-hop star Jabulani Tsambo, known to many as HHP, said following the death of the veteran musician and motswako originator yesterday.
Social media was abuzz after the heartbreaking news about the Mafikeng-born star, who has spoken about suffering from depressing.
Jabba, as he was also known, told Gareth Cliff on CliffCentral that he had tried to commit suicide three times in 2015.
On the first attempt, the musician said he waited for his children to go to school, went into his garage and tried to kill himself by carbon monoxide poisoning. The attempt failed, although he inhaled the gas for an hour.
He said he resorted to asking a friend for his car to make his second attempt, which also didn’t succeed. The third attempt, the star said, was after a “silly” fight with his girlfriend. He waited for her to leave the house and tried to poison himself with helium gas, but failed again.
At the time, HHP said he had made preparations for his death. He had called his financial manager and asked him if insurance covered suicide and had made sure his son’s education fund was in order so he could study until he was 28.
The musician added that he had tried counselling before his suicide attempts, but could not keep it up as it was too expensive.
The details of his death are still sketchy. His producer, Thaso Tsotetsi, confirmed the death to Eyewitness News.
“He inspired a lot of up-andcoming rappers, and not just rappers, also singers because he could sing and rap,” said Tsotetsi.
“He was a fun person to be with, in the studio or in person. He could motivate a person out of anything.”
Social media has been flooded with tributes, with many people shocked at the 38-year-old’s death.
“Just heard the most terrible news; another icon gone too soon,” wrote hip-hop artist AKA, with fellow hip-hop star Jub Jub expressing his condolences. “Just heard the most shattering news. Jabu ntja mme (my brother) you’ll forever be missed, and we who knew you and your spirit will forever be grateful for the part you played in our lives. RIP Jabba Senganga (boss)”.
“My heart bleeds. This feels so unreal. RIP big homie. Thank you for the music,” hip-hop artist KiD X wrote. –