Hip hop superstar HHP’s death has dealt a blow to both new-school musicians and veterans like Joe Nina.
The legend and Jabulani “HHP” Tsambo were working on the second edition of the former’s project, dubbed Joe’s Joint, which aims to uplift up-and-coming artists.
“It’s basically a project to pass on information, so I thought it would be cool to have him rap on one of the tracks and impart his knowledge to the youth.
“I loved it when he rapped in his seTswana, and as much as he did in English, it was amazingly beautiful in seTswana. So I called him, sent him the track and he was excited. I was excited myself,” he said.
“The idea for me to call him came from a friend of mine who is also a partner, Malese Dolamo, because he loves him, too. A week ago, he asked how far we were with featuring Jabba, and that’s when I had just discovered he was late It is just so devastating.”
Joe Nina, real name Makhosini Henry Xaba, said after hearing various reports that suggested HHP’s death was linked to depression, he assumed it could also stem from how the industry quickly forgot those who paved the way for new artists.
“Let’s stop celebrating our artists and icons only when they are dead, but let us be celebrated while we are still alive,” he said.
HHP’s memorial service will be held at the Newtown Music Factory (the former Bassline) on Tuesday.
A second service will be held in his hometown on Thursday, from where he will be buried on Saturday.
Weekend Argus