09 Nov 2023

The departed Jeremiah Lefaso Maja, the composer of Fatshe le fetogile used as signature tune for Crime File, a Radio Botswana programme, will be buried Saturday November 11.

Maja fondly known as JL, died on November 3, just 10 days shy of his 77^th  birthday.

Maja’s legacy extends beyond the creative industry.  He was retired teacher, a bishop at Abraham Church of Botswana and at one point he served as Ministers Fraternal chairperson.

Sharing details about the deceased and their life, his wife Bashane Maja told BOPA that she started as his domestic worker, and later their relationship developed into a love affair which ended in marriage.

Ms Maja narrated that JR landed in Botswana from native land Lesotho in 1971, plying his trade as a teacher at Khudumelapye Primary School and a year later was transferred to Botlhapatlou Primary School. In 1973 he went back to Khudumelapye and later transferred to Canon Gordon Primary School in Molepolole.

He was later transferred to Borakalalo Primary School when it opened its doors in 1978.

In 1985 he was promoted to the position of Deputy School Principal and transferred to Gothibamang Primary School where he acted for the school head position.

At Gothibamang Primary School he established study group commonly known as night school to help learners who did not do well at Standard Seven, preparing and assisting them to re-sit PSLE.

In 1992 he was elevated to the position of school head and posted to Salajwe Primary School and retired in 2006. She said her husband acquired Botswana nationality in 1979.

Ms Maja said her husband dedicated his life to volunteerism especially in the music industry as a conductor for choirs in all schools he served as well as coaching and composing songs for community choirs such as Makgabisa Naga choir.

She revealed that Lefatshe le fetogile was recorded in 1995 started enjoying airwaves in 1996.

She explained that her husband was yet to receive royalties for the song but the process was in an advanced stage.

Ms Maja said her husband composed many songs but never recorded them.

He was football coach in most school he served as well as community teams. She said the deceased was football coach for most school he served as well as community teams.

Botswana Police spokesperson, Mr Near Bagali, said Botswana police fraternity was saddened by the passing of a staunch member of crime prevention committee. He said Maja alongside police members or other crime prevention committee members played a major part in the composition of signature tune of Crime File programme.

“We will remember him many in years to come as a result of the sterling job. He might be gone but his legacy is with us.” he said.

 Mr Bagali said the song had pragmatic message of crime prevention which was still relevant and will remain relevant years to come, adding that Maja ‘left an indelible mark’.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and four daughters. Ends