HHP – Maftown’s Bragging Rights: A Story of Legacy and Triumph

Jabulani Tsambo: The Legacy of HHP

Jabulani Tsambo, better known as HHP or Jabba, was more than a rapper—he was a force of nature, a true ambassador of Motswako, and a pioneer who blended hip-hop with South African culture like no other. His journey was marked by passion, perseverance, and a refusal to conform.

Finding His Own Sound

HHP’s early albums were shaped by record label demands, but they never took away his essence. “I wouldn’t say those albums weren’t me,” he admitted, “but I had to do certain types of tracks.” Still, he always kept his music relevant. “MCs are social commentators. I just try to keep up with the times.”

His hit song O Mang was part of that evolution. “It was a building process,” he said, “and I’m still building.”

More Than Just an MC

Despite being recognized as one of South Africa’s top rappers, HHP’s never saw himself that way. “I never really considered myself an MC,” he revealed. “Growing up, I thought I’d be more of an R&B artist.” Yet, his smooth delivery and lyrical talent cemented his place in hip-hop history.

Then came the Maftown controversy—where he flipped a classic Biggie verse into Setswana. “People called me a biter,” he recalled. “But for me, it was about expression. I wanted to show how you could take something English and make it our own.”

Dancing His Way into History

Nobody saw it coming—not even HHP’s himself. When he joined Strictly Come Dancing, he expected an early exit. “I was performing at the FIFA World Cup handover when they approached me. I wasn’t interested,” he laughed. But when he finally gave it a shot, he surprised everyone—including himself.

“I was sure I’d be eliminated early,” he admitted. “Then we won the first show, and I started worrying about my hip-hop image.” But once the cameras rolled, Jabba came alive. “I never believed we could win until the semifinals,” he said. “That’s when it hit me—we were competing for the ultimate prize.”

Recognition and Acceptance

HHP’s never chased awards, but he understood their value. His album Acceptance Speech was his way of thanking his fans. “I grew up watching award shows on TV, dreaming of winning,” he said. “But whether I win or not, my fans are my real award.”

His previous album, YBA2NW, had solid sales, but Jabba felt it could have done even better. “I had just won Strictly Come Dancing, and I thought the label would push the album harder,” he admitted. “The hype was there, but the marketing wasn’t.”

A Moment with Amerie

Fans were stunned when HHP’s featured international R&B star Amerie in his Music and Lights video. “People voted that they wanted to see me with an international artist, and we made it happen,” he said.

When Amerie called him ‘Jabba’ for the first time, he was shocked. “I turned around and said, ‘Did you just call me Jabba?’ She panicked, thinking she had offended me,” he laughed. “But she had actually Googled me and knew that’s what people called me.”

The Final Chapter

Acceptance Speech wasn’t just another album—it was a statement. It featured artists like Mr. Mo, Straydawg, and ProVerb, proving that Jabba’s music was always evolving. “People expected me to dance more after Strictly Come Dancing,” he said. “But I did the opposite. The first song, Music and Lights, was even rejected by the label. But I believed in it, shot the video, and made it work.”

Through every challenge, HHP’s remained true to himself. His music wasn’t just about beats and rhymes—it was about culture, expression, and uplifting those who came after him.

Because in the end, HHP’s wasn’t just a rapper. He was a legend.

Continue to rest in peace, HHP’s.

(Interview originally conducted by Hype Magazine in 2008.) 

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