HHP reshaped South Africa’s music industry, the country’s ruling African National Congress party has said in a tribute to the award-winning rap star who has died aged 38 (see earlier post).

The party’s statement said that details surrounding the musician’s death “remain sketchy, but HHP was open that he was suffering with depression”.

It said his use of "township lingo" popularised his hip-hop genre as he used "several languages IsiZulu, Sesotho including his mother tongue Setswana" in his music.

The ANC joins millions of South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists, and individuals in our country.

The ANC joins millions of South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists, and individuals in our country.

He left an indelible mark in the country and his inspirational music will continue [to] reverberate [in] our ears for many years to come.
He left an indelible mark in the country and his inspirational music will continue [to] reverberate [in] our ears for many years to come.

He reshaped music industry to produce many entrepreneurs. He used his talent to inspire social, economic, cultural and political change in the country.
He reshaped music industry to produce many entrepreneurs. He used his talent to inspire social, economic, cultural and political change in the country.

He was a brilliant singer, dancer and composer whose music defies classification. His infectious music has a universal appeal and so does HHP’s singing style and stage presence.
He was a brilliant singer, dancer and composer whose music defies classification. His infectious music has a universal appeal and so does HHP’s singing style and stage presence.

We were indeed privileged to have known [him] and lived in his lifetime."
We were indeed privileged to have known [him] and lived in his lifetime."