A.T.I When misperception strikes the right chord

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Baleseng Batlotleng

Location : GABORONE

Event : Profile

 

It appears every art has its most controversial, and often outrageous characters. There are the likes of Lady Gaga, Li`l Kim, and in her days, Madonna. Closer home there is Atasaone Molemogi  aka ATI,  who has been dogged by controversy since he went up the  stage with his unorthodox makeup – a  huge black teardrop. Today Kutlwano`s Baleseng Batlotleng invites the young rapper to debunk his seemingly weird tendencies, dramatic entrance into the local showbiz industry and his struggle to overcome the shadows of a troubled childhood. A.T.I is all impulse and energy rolled into one. He is fidgety; he leaps to answer calls and yells at his manager Michelle Gaofano to get a few facts right. It is the contrast of seeming innocence and the brazen look in his eyes that makes you feel pity for him. Is this young man as innocently daring as the expression that appears to be him? And, who really is A.T.I?

 

Baleseng: What conjures up everyone`s mind when the name A.T.I is mentioned is the black teardrop down your left cheek, can you explain the trademark?

A.T.I: This black tear I have whenever I perform is basically inspired by the fact that I wanted to be ‘entertainment`. I wanted to be memorable. Our industry offers many opportunities to bring something new into it. Mafatshe a mangwe jaaka bo Amerika are congested with creativity. We need to have the same mindset. I looked in the mirror and felt too bare and simple and I came up with this idea. It has to be an inspiration from somewhere; the Rolling Stones, Parlotones, Lady Gaga to name but a few all have this tear feature. Even the African face painting carries the same concept.

 

Baleseng:  Describe yourself?

A.T.I: I am a very catchy character. I am able to express myself in a manner I see fit. I`m one guy who has a lot of confidence, and not so much self-esteem. Confidence and esteem are two different things. When it gets down to serious stuff go sa tshegiwe ke kgona go fitllhela ke na le mathata gone foo. I grew up a troubled child though I won`t get much into what actually transpired, it still haunts me even today. Life is not a destination but a journey.

 

Baleseng: If you were the President what would be the first thing you would implement as part of your government policy?

A.T.I: Ijajaja!!.....the first thing I would do would be to commercialise the local music industry to the fullest extent. A large chunk of the budget would go towards the arts and youth development. I would also nurture the media industry to international standards. Basically I would be a jolly president who would say anything he wants anytime of the day.

 

Baleseng: Who did you look up to career wise, especially as a hip hop artiste?

A.T.I: When I first broke into the music scene I was 19 years old and I was impressed by Vee`s aka Odirile Sento) acumen. The man inspired me. He is the one person I look up to even today, and yes, I regard him highly, and would like to do a song with him. Of course he inspired most upcoming artistes in Botswana. There is also Scar aka Thato Matlhabaphiri whom I truly salute. I`m also interested in working with Pink (an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress. Originally a member of the girl group Choice).

 

Baleseng: Has your new personality changed your life?

A.T.I: Yes the personality changed me. Even if in life people like to maintain a certain standard of living; there comes a time when external forces usher in change and a new way of life. When other people`s perception of you starts changing there will always be room for change, what they expect from you and what you choose to offer them. And you have to make a wise choice.

 

Baleseng: Your gothic tendencies have everyone wondering about the real you….

A.T.I: I have never denied or concurred with what people think of me; It is the misperception about me that has worked for me. The thing that prolongs an artiste`s life is that mystery. That`s why erile ke botswa gore ke eng ke sa tsene mo Big Brother House abo ke re Big Brother will reveal me. My music portrays me as a superhuman and I simply would like to bask in that uncertainty. Nna ha nka tsoga then decide to become moporofiti go ka bereka. (he laughs heartily)

One common denominator that we have in life is pain and happiness. This is all music. It`s showbiz, but at times you can become that person that you pretend to be because that`s basically what people want to see. When I`m seen on the streets I am not allowed to be sad and think about my problems. People expect to see that jolly guy they see on stage. So I can say there is a very thin line between A.T.I and Atasaone Molemogi.

 

Baleseng: Are you dating?

A.T.I: No…….I don`t even know about marriage because right now the interest is not there or anything that could lead towards marriage. It is going to take a miracle and a half for me to find someone o nkareng nka mo nyala.

 

Baleseng: “Polao ya motho”….what a title?

A.T.I: When I got into music I wanted to become a shock artiste. Anything that grabs peoples attention and gets tongues wagging. The title Polao ya Motho is catchy and screams out loud. It seemed like the perfect title for me because when I defined it I looked at rona re le Batswana gore we have this trend ya go tlhoka go thusana le go rotloetsana. We tend to discourage each other; le ngwana hela a sa dire sentle ko sekolong we don`t encouraged the child to work hard. Instead we tell him or her o tla utlwa gotwe o tla ja maswe a balekane ba gagwe. This ‘kills` the child. That is what I call polao ya motho.

Baleseng: What are you currently engaged in?

A.T.I: I`m currently working on 200 per cent mix tape collaboration with Noello which is coming up on May. In August I`m expecting to release my documentary that sums up my highs and lows in life. I continued with my studies after a dismal performance last semester. Now I`m left with two years to complete my Public Administration and Environmental Science degree.

 

Baleseng: Thanks for your time Ati…

A.T.I: Ke  a leboga malome… ENDS

Teaser:

 

Nna ha nka tsoga then decide to become moporofiti go ka bereka. (he laughs heartily)

One common denominator that we have in life is pain and happiness. This is all music. It`s showbiz, but at times you can become that person that you pretend to be because that`s basically what people want to see...