He is a carbon copy of his dad. Those who were close to Motswako rapper Jabulani "HHP' Tsambo say his son Leano Khanye's body structure, voice, mannerisms, gestures, and even his sense of humour resemble his father. Friends and family were shocked to see how Leano (16) had grown to be exactly like HHP; eloquent and funny.

 LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

Taking to the podium at his late father's tombstone unveiling held at Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng on Saturday 29 October, on the week of HHP's death in 2018, Leano spoke fondly about his dad and learning to live without both his parents. "It has not been easy to live without my dad. But everyone can stop worrying about me being depressed, I am coping. I am doing okay,' Leano says bravely. Even at school, he admits to passing with flying colours. "I am doing well at school andI 'm in a happy place,' he adds. Not a dry eye in the room as he continued to make everyone laugh, telling stories about his father. "I was very young when my dad passed away and I didn't get to spend much time with him, but I miss him,' Leano says.

HEALING FROM HIS FATHER'S DEATH

HHP died on 24 October 2018 and was discovered dead in his home in Randburg. Reports state that he committed suicide after a lifelong battle with depression and three previous suicide attempts. Barely a month after his father's death, Leano buried his mother Lerato Khanye who was reported to have died of natural causes at Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park. While he was still coming to terms with being an orphan, Leano's grandfather and HHP's dad Rock Tsambo died at a North West hospital after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Having lost three family members at a young age, Leano says he has learned to "be strong.' "I am strong. I am in a better position now.I went through therapy and recovered from depression.'

FRIENDS CELEBRATE HHP'S LIFE

HHP's unveiling was in partnership with the Tsambo family and The Department of Arts, Culture Sport,and Recreation.HHP 's friends and colleagues shared stories of his life and love for his son.  A close friend to Jabba and father figure to Leano, Seabelo Modibe says he is so happy the family and friends finally put the unveiling together. "It was long overdue. The grave was even starting to be vandalised, there were trees growing everywhere, it was barren and it was not easy to identify,' Seabelo says. "Now fans can now go and see the tombstone, take pictures next to their idol and his legacy can carry on," he adds. Seabelo goes on to say they were hoping it would have happened sooner, but they are glad it is out of the way. "Leano is in a good place and Jabba's mom can relax knowing the tombstone is up,' he says. "Leano is doing great at school.He is a top art student, and he is big on his animations. He is in a happy space. Now he understands what's happening and the anger is gone. I am so proud of him.'

LERATO SENGADI SPEAKS

Despite the ongoing case between HHP's family and Lerato Sengadi where she demands to be recognised by the Tsambo family as a wife continues, the family and friends went on with the unveiling plans in her absence. "We as Jabba's friends, our main concern is to make sure that his son and mom are okay. We are not interested in any drama,' Seabelo says. "Lerato did not attend, she wasn't invited because of the case, but we owed it to Jabba to keep his legacy going and for his tombstone to be done in a dignified manner and everyone was happy and shared good, happy memories of him. That is all that mattered.' As it stands, Lerato Sengadi is still at loggerheads with the Tsambo family through the Constitutional Court and fighting to be recognised as his customary wife. A devastated Lerato tells Zimoja that she was excluded from the planning of the tombstone unveiling, let alone being informed or invited. "I wasn't invited to the tombstone unveiling because my in-laws' manners know no boundaries. We are all just as shocked that it took place,' she says. "I did not know about it and I am very upset.'  On the anniversary of HHP's passing, Lerato says she spent all day crying. "I cried all day, thinking about him.'

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