Jabulani Tsambo, also known as Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP), shimmied, waltzed and jived his way into our hearts with his stellar turn on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Despite his own initial misgivings, he went on to win the dancing competition. He’s continued his winning ways at this year’s South African Music Awards (he scooped Best Male Solo Artist and Best Rap Album awards). We catch up with the entertainer, entrepreneur and father to see what’s on his mind…
I used to think you need to wait for awards to feel thankful. My misfortunes of not winning at previous awards shows taught me the wonders of seeing life unfold, regardless of a positive or negative outcome.
Being nominated for a MTV European Music Award for Best African Act was a crowning moment. Having my name scroll down in bright lights where just a few minutes ago Amy Winehouse’s name scrolled down is an orgasm.
Strictly Come Dancing made me a credible, strong brand and allowed me into millions of living rooms. Traffic cops glance at my driver’s license and say “Hey, HHP right?” An old Afrikaans tannie walked up to me the other day and said “You dance like a champion.”
A lot of people think crossover success means appealing to white and black audiences. Even within black audiences, there are diverse cultures and languages to appeal to. I want to secure the entire spectrum of the country.
My achievements have all been calculated. I’m here purely because of hard work. If I take a backseat, I could lose everything.
What I do, musically, may influence just one soul. I’ve lived long enough to know that changing just one person is changing the world.
I consider myself a fighter for the upliftment of Setswana and other indigenous African languages. We live in the era of decolonisation – exciting times. Now, with Setswana rap, the language, culture and overall pride of the Tswana people is back.
I’ve learnt that with great success, comes false friends and true enemies. Fortunes can change over night and just because you’re going through hard times, doesn’t necessarily mean times are hard.
Being a father is like walking into class in Grade 7 without having done your homework the night before – tense. You’re forever on the alert: “Is he bullied at crèche?”, “Does HE bully other kids?” Those questions rush through my mind all day. You can only do what comes naturally.
I’m a lifetime ABBA fan. My dad would play the LP. Money Money, Mama Mia, all the material was genius, but my all time favourite is Dancing Queen. The melody is so angelic.
I never know what the next step is. That’s what keeps me on the edge.
- Janine Jellars
