Bio
Jabulani Tsambo, better known as Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) or Jabba was a South African rap artist who performed in multiple languages, although primarily Setswana.
Raised in Mmabatho, HHP's break came in 1997 when he and his school friends met with renowned producer Chicco Twala who produced their debut Party. The band split soon after the release of Party.
Tsambo met singer/producer Isaac Methethwo who then worked full swing on Jabu's 2nd debut album. The result was Introduction, an album that introduced a new, vibrant and innovative genre.
The album was recorded in different South African ethnic tongues like Setswana, isiZulu and Sesotho, to name a few.
HHP appeared on the third one-off TV special of quiz show Test The Nation, entitled National Parenting Test, as the Team Captain representing fathers.
In 2007 he won the third season of the reality dance show Strictly Come Dancing along with his professional dance partner Hayley Bennett.
In 2008 he starred as himself in 11 episodes of the e.tv musical soapie Rhythm City. He made his debut on the show on 4 April, 2008.
HHP at the press conference for the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 3
He was one of the featured celebrities on the first season of the South African version of the genealogy documentary series Who Do You Think You Are? (based on the British series of the same name), which premiered on SABC2 in May 2009.
In 2010 he hosted the 13-episode SABC1 talk show The Respect Show with HHP, in which he paid tribute to the people whose contribution in their respective fields have shaped South Africa's landscape.
HHP died on Wednesday 24 October, 2018, following a battle with depression. He was 38.