This two-time SAMA award winner whose name is one of the most respected in the SA music industry makes hit after hit, never disappointing and always exceeding his fans’ expectations. Jamati caught up with the man himself and this is what he had to say:

Jamati: Every hustler has a story to tell behind their stage name, now please elaborate more on the name Hip Hop Pantsula?

My first A&R manager at EMI/CCP, Vusi Leeuw, overheard one of my demo tracks of a song I recorded with my cousin’s ex-husband, Ike, called ABC. In the song I say a line which goes like ” I’m a lyrical induna”. It just refers to me as Hip Hop Panstula. I was called Jabba back then by those closest to me and thats what I wanted to be called proffesionally but good old Vusi Leew hated the name Jabba. He thought it was to Americanized. We fought to the bitter end and he won, he agreed to put both names in the cover of my sleeve but didn’t. I was stuck with the name and I totally hated it. Until one day someone called me “Yo Double H-P”, i like the sound of that very brief but yet long. As to what it stands for??”…..Thank God I’m known by both names.

Jamati: What role does (Jabba) Hip Hop Pantsula play in the Hip Hop industry right now?

I opened the market up to a totally different direction. Hip hop will always be considered as a modern-day form of colonization.But what brings it closer to you and your community is, beside the actual content which you spew in songs, the language aspect. When people can hear what we’re talking about they could understand and relate to it. It becomes easier to win them over and I must say I was one of those people in hip hop today in our country who steered that ship.

Jamati: The growth of the African Hip Hop industry has been amazing throughout the years, how soon do you think the world should expect the emerging of the African and American Hip Hop artist in some way?

Hey, Akon is evidence to that. The revolution has begun, Africans are literally penetrating the global scene. We’ve been shelved and forgotten by the world for so long that now they have run out of resources of inspiration, they remembering where it started–in Africa. We’re already starting to collaborate with the greatest in the world . Regardless of whether they are American or not. It’s only a matter of time before it will be normal to do it.

Jamati: Your latest album has received so many credible reviews, and so much success is pouring out of that. What do you think you are doing differently from the past and which one of your albums would you say is your favourite?

This time around I’m searching for hits from within, that’s what I’m doing different. I’ve come to realize that all people want is to relate to the songs that talk about the everyday human problems, successes, victories, and failures. You connect to so many [everyday] people [than with a] commercial audience. Yes, there will always be more commercial people because it is hip to be current but the few you touching are equivalent if not more than the other millions who just don’t get you. My music is relative and very close to the heart, I think honestly of all my albums, I love the “Acceptance Speech“. YBA2NW, the album before this one was a milestone for me and prepared me for the later one. But also, in the same breath, it’s not easy to say which album is your favorite because albums are like a time capsule. What has happened to you during that time and era is what will go into the project. So an album like “OMANG?”, which was also my biggest and most succesful cult followed albums, could be hot because of the bouncy stage I was in when I did it, but even this one which was calmer can have equally the same impact. (I talk too much neahhhh?)

Jamati: Congratulations on your SAMA nomination. How has that experience been?

The SAMA’s are politics on their own. It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions leading to the actual event. Its funny cause you realize that as much as you, the artist, don’t care whether you win or lose, everybody else who is a fan does. Its been crazy.

Jamati: Were you intimidated by any of the other nominees that you were up against? Lol?

Of course this wasn’t a cakewalk SAMA year. There was nobody that you felt “Aahhh, I can beat this guy 10-nil”. Every nominee is a heavy weight in their own right. Winning is truly an honor this time around.

Jamati: Name two of the tightest MC’s in the game right now that you respect?

The tightest MC’s get born every 5 hours..it’s not a fact, it’s the truth. My answer is based on MC’s I feel have shown longevity and sustainability, and have kept afloat during the hardest storms. My two tightest MC’s would have to be Jay-Z and Snoop.

Jamati: Any African hip hop artist that you would like to share a stage with that is not from SA?

I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a stage, or rather a studio, with Botswana’s Zeus, Kamba and Sambaa. Angola’s Gomez, Zimbabwe’s Zubs and Uganda’s Obita. Now I need to check out more players…one being Kweku, Samini from Ghana, and K’naan, the dusty philosopher.

Jamati: From hip hop to Strictly Come Dancing, what was that all about?

Hey, you have to always act as if you are inside a box and think outside the box. I don’t mind trying anything out. As long as it wont make my heart stop completely. I was asked twice to come and do Strictly Come Dancing and the 2nd time when they asked me, I thought it must be an omen. I had to agree. Even though my heart said yes, my body and feet said, “Noooooooooo!” I guess it paid off.

Jamati: What is this we hear about you acting now, its seems like somebody is spreading his wings :)?

I was born into acting . The first extramural activity I really loved was acting on stage. I even got culture and drama honors from my high school for participating in a Macbeth play. I went to film school and I did my first acting-on-screen gig whilst doing some school projects. I’m really not into it, but its a gig I reckon I can do, and why not? I’ve so far acted as rebel leader in an indy film called “Hladini“. I’ve played a pimp on a TV drama movie based on the famous bible parable of the prodigal son. I’ve had a cameo appearance in the hit SA sitcom “City Selsa” and lately I’ve played myself in the new Youth Musical Soap, “Rhythm City“.

Jamati: What is that ultimate goal you are working hard for as an MC?

I want to be a well-oiled machine as far as my business and my administration is concerned. It’s one thing to be a talented rapper and its another to be a shrewd and on-point business man. I’ve got to find the balance.

Jamati: What birthed the whole concept of the song “Darfur“?

Tumi of The Volume was/is running a concept called Artists for Darfur. We did a Public Service Announcement (PSA) advert about the injustices happening there, and one thing led to another. Its a strong human rights issue going on in that region and we need to fight it because if the world can allow that to happen, then they could do the same for any other country in the world requesting serious help. The song is my bit to change something.

Jamati: How does one survive in such a tough and a continuely growing industry?

Prayer my sister. Some say meditation. Some say therapy. Some say drugs, sex, and alcohol, but I say prayer.

Jamati: Your favorite old time qoute that keeps you going in life?

I recently heard a saying that goes:” Great people are ordinary people with extraordinary determination”. I love that and I believe that I am GREAT. Another quote that’s been stuck on my mom’s fridge since forever is “People who say it cannot be done, should leave those who are doing it”.

Jamati: We hope to see you soon performing here in the USA representing the African MCs and once again thank you for your time and keep the hustle going Mr Jabba man.

Thank you Jamati! I’m coming through to Washington sometime in September and we are also making an american appearance from the 22nd to the 26th of July. I don’t have full details yet but I’ll keep you posted. Thank you thank you soooooooooo much for the opportunity. Love peace and light…. Jabba (HHP)