ATI...A legacy beyond the lights and cameras

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Phenyo Moalosi

Location : Gaborone

Event : Funeral service

Everything came to a standstill when social media reported about the passing of one of Botswana’s most influential musicians, Atasaone ‘ATI’ Molemogi in the wee hours of August 31, 2025.

The talented artiste, whose memorable performance will forever resonate in the hearts of many, died on August 31 at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, aged 36.Many could not come to believe this, hoping to hear that it was a prank until a memorial service was held to celebrate his life and it started hitting home that Lekhete as he was affectionately called by his legion of fans, was no more.

University of Botswana (UB) Indoor Sports Arena was filled to full capacity as multitudes of fans, local artists, relatives and friends came together to pay their last respect to the departed rap artiste, who touched the hearts of many.

Fans came draped in true ATI fashion, ripped t-shirts, form fitting suits and skinny jeans made the fashion statement alongside his signature black teardrop, honouring his well-rounded wardrobe that was both influential and exhilirating. 

The service began quietly, with solemn hymns that hovered in the air cutting deeply in the hearts of many, but through tears and fond memories of him, it was hard to believe that Lekhete le le tona is gone.

Soon, fellow musicians took to the stage, their performances trembling with both love and loss, each note seemed to search for him, the way one might call in the dark, hoping for a familiar voice to answer. Amongst the performances was Mpho Sebina, who sang her song, Chiwele as a tribute to the legend.

Dato Seiko also sserenaded the crowd with a moving tribute to ATI as she performed her Poela Morago song.  

Throughout the service, speakers emphasised ATI’s role as a voice for the youth, a mirror to society and an artist unafraid to confront difficult truths. Many described ATI as more than a musician but a storyteller, a fashionista and a cultural force who pushed the boundaries of creativity.

Taking the podium, the father of the nation, President Advocate Duma Boko paid a moving tribute to the late rapper, remembering ATI not only as a talented artiste, who shaped Botswana’s music scene but also as a voice that inspired and touched the lives of many.

“ATI was family to me by blood and destiny, he was a poet of words, tone, rhythmn and he was a true artist,” he says.

President Boko further described ATI as a genius “who stood for all of us, he was the man I would bring when other countries bring their own stars.”

Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse  further described the late ATI as an extraodinary talent who rose from humble beginnings to inspire pride in Setswana culture and identity. “His unforgettable performances, like Khiringkhorong, left a lasting mark on the nation and the world,” he says evoking smiles and tears from mourners.

Leaders from the creative sector also paid their respects, acknowledging ATI’s contribution not only to music but to theatre and social commentary.

“ATI gave us more than music; he gave us theatre, the truth. He belonged to the people and the people will remeber him,” declared Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) President, Goaba Mojakgomo to a loud applause. He announced that Born and Raised would erect a tombstone in ATI’s honour, recognising his immense contribution to the arts.
ATI’s father, William Molemogi explained that ATI struggled with drugs “so much that we had him committed to rehabilitation centres five times.”

He recalled with difficulty how his son battled to overcome addiction, only to be pulled back by so-called friends after rehabilitation.

Molemogi condemned the use and selling of drugs as it destroyed the lives of the youth and urged government to intensify the fight against drug abuse by building more rehabilitation centres in the country. On the flipside, Molemogi stated that his son was not only a fashionista but a skilled cook.

“He was a fearlessly expressive embodiment of creativity, who could turn the simplest clothing into a work of art,” he says.

When the service ended, people lingered in clusters, as if reluctant to step back into a world that no longer held him yet there was comfort too in knowing that ATI was and always will be a legend. 

Lekhete was laid to rest at his home village in Lerala, leaving behind a library of unreleased albums.ENDS