The first posthumous music from late rapper HHP, real name Jabulani Tsambo, has been released almost three years after his death.
In honour of HHP's 41st birthday on Tuesday, his widow Lerato Sengadi dropped a surprise release of previously recorded and unreleased song Nkaofa 2.0.
Sengadi served as the executive producer for the song.
“It was important for me to celebrate my husband in a way that’s fitting for the king that he is,” Sengadi said.
“The idea to do the remix itself was a gift from him and everything that transpired after I made the decision to do this was a sign of the anointing of this release. It has been an extremely difficult year for everyone, so I thought let this not be the year they ask again, ‘what would summer be without Jabba?’”
Sengadi called on the help of HHP’s long-time collaborator Thabiso “Thasman” Tsotetsi to make the song possible. HHP and Thasman worked together on songs like Bosso Ke Mang and Harambe.
It has also been given a modern twist with amapiano hitmaker Focalistic featured on the remix.
“I remember hearing Focalistic for the first time and I was taken aback by how much he reminded me of Motho (pet name for HHP). I remember also thinking it would have been so dope if they could have been on a track together,” Sengadi said.
“When you listen to Focalistic there is a very familiar authenticity that is very reminiscent of Jabba and who he was as an artist. Focalistic’s energy is incredible, his talent undeniable and I know Motho would absolutely be passing on the baton to him.
“When it came to bringing my vision to life there was only one person for the job, Thasman. Thaso’s role in Jabba’s career is undeniable. The two were a power duo and a force, having created countless hits together.”
Focalistic could not contain his excitement about being featured on the song, especially since he grew up listening to HHP.
“For me this is a moment anointed by God. I used to drive a red Proton and it didn’t have a USB port or bluetooth or aux, it only used to play CDs. And I always used to play YBA 2 NW (HHP’s 4th studio album). And I’ve said from then and I say it still, HHP will forever be in my top 3 and definitely number one,” Focalistic gushed.
“It’s crazy to recreate a moment that you never thought would happen and secondly to come out with such a beautiful song that you can be proud of for years to come, even postmortem, for me it was an anointed moment.
“I’d like to thank Lerato and Thasman. Making the song with Thasman made it a 100 times more beautiful.”
Sengadi promised the release of more new music from HHP.
“Modimo (God) and badimo (ancestors) willing, I will be able to preserve this legacy, which is extremely important not just to South African music but the entertainment industry as a whole,” Sengadi said.
“Creating this song was a labour of love for me, a symbol of my loyalty and a token of appreciation to his fans who have held him high for over two decades. I am a mere vessel chosen to keep flying his flag high.”
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