Mdantsane 'popstar' brings legend HHP back to life with 'new' song

An Mdantsane-born singer has released a song with late hip hop legend HHP [Hip Hop Pantsula] almost 16 years after recording it.

Luzuko Ngqakayi was once a household name after his participation on popular 90s music show  Coca-Cola Popstars.

He said the song with HHP, He's My Father, was a “miracle” as it was the only surviving song after his studio album project was lost by producers.

Soon after his time ended on the show, Ngqakayi spent time with a Universal Music agent and recorded a 10-track album.

HHP (who's real name was Jabulani Tsambo) was known for hits like Music And Lights.

Ngqakayi, who goes by the stage name Lourijinal, recalled the moment he met the hip hop legend at his studio.

“I saw him as this superstar, and was obviously star struck. He was there to visit the producer of my album. The producer played him my song, and in my nervous state, fearing what he would think of the song, I ran out of the studio.” 

“When I returned, I learnt that he liked the song so much that he decided to record a verse. I was over the moon, I couldn't believe that a musical phenomenon like him would record a verse for my song,” said Ngqakayi.

The singer said his musical journey had been turbulent and had caused him to fall into depression.

“After recording an entire album and then being told the project was lost was devastating for me. I spent years in and out of depression, trying to make sense of it all,” he said.

“When I accidentally discovered He's My Father on an e-mail I had sent to a friend, I knew it was a sign and that it was meant to be,” Ngqakayi said.

“The song speaks about how God has carried me through the trials and tribulations I've experienced in life. It's an uplifting song that allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

 “The song would've been a fitting tribute to HHP. I had wanted to release it at the time (he met the hip hop star) but the mastering wasn't complete.”

HHP's body was discovered in his bedroom by his helper in October 2018.

It was reported that he had lost his battle with depression after penning a brief note saying: “I'm depressed. I am going out of control. I'm losing it.”

Ngqakayi said he had reached out to HHP's widow before releasing the song.

Ngqakayi's other music includes singles like You're My Summertime and Sexy Baby.

He is also featured on popular hip hop artist Kweriez's single titled Mama Showa.

Ngqakayi, a former Hudson High School pupil, said he spent his younger days sharing music with the sport of diving, for which he represented South Africa.

He spent his tertiary years at Border Technikon, now known as Walter Sisulu University, and at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, an institution for high-performing athletes.

“Throughout this journey, singing has always been my first love,” Ngqakayi said.

The song is available on YouTube Music, YouTube and SoundCloud.