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HHP laid to rest in Mahikeng

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HHP was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Mahikeng in the North West on Saturday. His wife, Lerato Sengadi, tried but failed to interdict the funeral. The rivalry between her and HHP’s family ceased, for the duration of the morning, and together with politicians, loved ones, friends, artists and fans… they bade him farewell during an official civic funeral.

HHP is the first child of Robbert Mandla, and Theriso Luisa Tsambo. He is now, finally at his eternal resting place. The King of Motswako was remembered and praised for his role in promoting Setswana language through the hip hop music genre called Motswako.

He was behind the success of many artists, particularly those from his home town of Mahikeng. He was regarded as a celebrity , but to his family, Jabba was a humble child, who respected everyone. Tsambo family representative, Nomvulakazana Sithole, says the family will always be grateful, for the role he played in other people’s lives.

“Jabu was a very happy friend and when Jabu came into any situation you would recognise. Jabu ‘s life was a message. He was just going and moving up, we thank God for that. Probably we will need somebody who is going to follow on Jabu’s steps. He stayed humble.”

HHP’s childhood friend and fellow artist, Mo-Molemi has called upon hip-hop and Motswako artists to ensure ‘Double HP’s legacy is sustained, by helping to groom more artists. Molemi says ‘Double HP’s legacy should also be sustained by taking care of Mmabana Arts and Culture Foundation, which produced him, and many other musicians and television stars from Mahikeng.

“Jabulani would not want the people who burned Mmabana, our temple of arts. His legacy must not be names on buildings , on street names or statues. The Jabba I know must be the multiplicity. He said to me himself, Moja-man oska wara when I die I will multiply. Jabba ma senganga, you build so many of us, where Jesus walked on water or turn water into wine you created super stars, multi millioners.”

Many believe he was a treasure to Mahikeng and the North West. North West premier Job Mokgoro, has vowed to help sustain the legacy of Motswako artists who are from Mahikeng. He praised him, for not only helping those in the music industry, but also caring for university students, as well.

“A testimony of his talent and his contribution to the growth of the Motswako music genre is a traction that the Setswana language gained within Hip Hop circles. Jabba made Setswana fashionable. When the majority of youth leaders of South Africa were nowhere to be found during the #Feesmustfall campaign, Jabba unashamedly took the baton and openly associated himself with the struggle of poor university students.”

Meanwhile, Lerato Sengadi, Jabulani Tsambo’s widow, arrived, shortly after the start of the funeral service at Mmabatho Convention Centre. She was accompanied by Jabulani’s friends Mo-Molemi and DJ Lemonka, amongst others.

On Friday, the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg confirmed Sengadi as the artist’s customary wife. However, the court turned down her urgent application to interdict the funeral.

HHP  is survived by his parents, two sisters, his son Leano Khanye, a nephew and his wife Lerato Sengadi.

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