BREAKING. SABC1 producing a new comedy entitled Jabba Time starring rap artist HHP as a ''Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' type character.

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I can break the news that SABC1 (that already did a controversial reality show with him) is again in business with the rap artist Hip Hop Pantsula (known as HHP and Jabba and who's real name is Jabulani Tsambo) - this time giving him his own half hour TV comedy entitled Jabba Time. Jabba Time has a premise not very unlike The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in which HHP plays a fish-out-of-water, rags-to-riches character moving from poverty in Mafikeng to a Johannesburg mansion.

I can tell you that Jabba Time with HHP in the lead role has started filming at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg and is being produced by Rous House Productions.

Just like rap artist Will Smith who moved to Bel-Air in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, HHP will play a character called Jabba that's a car mechanic and an aspiring rap artist in ''Maf-town'' Mafikeng. Jabba's long-lost uncle dies of cancer and he moves to Johannesburg after he inherits a fortune and a massive mansion to live in. He gets a 15 year old niece, Sisi, that he has to care of and look after and also bring his aged grandmother with him as well as his wisecracking friend Soloman with him to share in his newfound wealth and upscale surroundings.

Jabba Time follows exactly a year after HHP and SABC1's first TV collaboration entitled Respect, a production that became controversial quickly after a producer complained that HHP and SABC1 ''stole'' the idea from him. Respect that had a rocky start with SABC1 that pushed out the starting date and episodes being broadcast haphazardly (most probably due to the legal entanglements behind the scenes) has now obviously made way for a new HHP TV vehicle for the rap star.

BREAKING. SABC1 going ahead with broadcast of HHP's Respect.

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SABC1 is proceeding and going forward with the broadcast of HHP's new show Respect, despite a veteran South African TV producer, Paul Tilsley claiming that SABC1 stole the idea concept for the show from him, which he submitted to the broadcaster a while ago.

SABC1 confirmed to me that the broadcast of Respect is going ahead. SABC1 said that Respect will continue with further episodes after the show was delayed by one week. That happened because Paul Tilsley send a legal letter of demand to the SABC to halt the show and asked for compensation for the show, as well as compensation for the emotional distress (imagine seeing the idea you pitched to a broadcaster after a meeting, suddenly showing up on screen a while later!). I told you about that on Sunday RIGHT HERE.

I've spoken with a very disappointed Paul Tilsley who told me that legal action against the SABC was the last resort. ''In terms of legal action we're proceeding. We're still very disappointed that the SABC doesn't want to discuss this. The SABC should have come clean.''

TOLDJA! SABC1 confirms new show Respect for HHP.

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SABC1 just confirmed what I spilled exclusively first  RIGHT HERE last week: That the megastar is getting his own show titled Respect in March on the TV channel.

SABC1 calls Respect (that will start on Wednesday, 17 March at 18:30 ''a dynamic show that aims to pay ''respect'' and homage to the people whose immense contribution in their respective fields have shaped South Africa's landscape.''

''The face of the show is the indefatigable HHP. The boy from ''Maftown'' who has carved his way into the pantheons of South Africa‘s hip hop and musical history. With his socially minded approach, HHP’s wit and charm brings a refreshing take on the art of talk shows.''

BREAKING. SABC1 gets Respect. And HHP.

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R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Respect is what SABC1 wants and Respect  is what SABC1 is getting. I can exclusively reveal first that SABC1 is in pre-production on sitcom called Respect with massive superstar HHP (Jabulani Tsambo).

Sources tell me the half hour local sitcom should debut on 17 March on SABC1, but the starting date might still change because of SABC1 soccer coverage. The buzz within SABC1 as well as the industry about Respect? HUGE.

HHP won SABC2's reality show Strictly Come Dancing, has several Samas on his shelf and has a big fan base that SABC1 is secretly hoping will follow his to his own TV property.