03 Jul 2025

As the local Rhumba or Kwasa Kwasa fans struggle to lift the dark veil that befell them following the untimely passing of one of the music genres finest brews Jeff Matheatau, local Rhumba stars recounted beautiful memories they shared with him.

Jeff as he was fondly known in music circles took his last breath at his home in Francistown on June 26, in what his family described as a short illness and will be laid to tomorrow in Francistown.

Matheatau, born into a God fearing family in Machaneng near Mahalapye in the central district was the driving force behind Jeff Matheatau and Yakho Band, a musical outfit he led for close to three decades making it one of the influential outfits locally.

His journey in music began early and was captivated by guitars from his early days as a wet behind the ears rifleman with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Band performing along seasoned musicians in the mould of the late Malombo Mmereki, the late Tsilo Baitsile and renowned saxophonist Lister Boleseng at the army barracks.

Having worked with Jeff during his prime, prominent Congolese lead guitarist Kapenda Katuta knows it all when it comes to Matheatau’s stage performance and timeless compositions.

He said due to Jeff’s vocal mastery and lyrical prowess he was undoubtedly a cut above the rest and even received recognition across the border where they staged solid performances.

“His kindness and jovial mood set him apart from the rest. He remained much related to his sound and was able to produce music that would stand the test of time,” said Katuta.

He said the nation had lost one of the finest songwriters whose influence resonated not only at home but as far as Zimbabwe and Namibia where he had won the admiration of many.

He added that he made an indelible mark wherever they visited, and played a pivotal role back home where he shaped the sound and narrative of the rhumba sound ushering in new talent such as Chris Manto Seven, Slizer, Dedcor, Tumza and the Big Bullets, amongst others.

He first met Matheatau when they performed at the former popular night joint Zebras in Mogoditshane. He accepted the invitation to come perform in Botswana, resigning from his job in a hotel in Zambia.

The 2005 Koffi Olomide show at the Blue Tree in Gaborone became the launching pad of his career. After the show everyone appreciated their performance and they made a breakthrough recording hit after hit and also scoring a few gigs and making countrywide tours.

Jeff and Yakho band which comprised Katuta and the likes of the late rapper Limba Ebanga popularly known as Caprio ‘Brigadier’ Dikoko recorded chart topping albums such as 5C`s, Garas Pampiri and Ditshepe, the latter album popularised the Setswana folk song “Go katweng” which became a household hit.

Franco and Afro Musica founder and songwriter Frank Lesokwane, said his relationship with Jeff goes back to the early years at Tsogang Primary School in Taung though class apart.

They met at the army barracks years later, Jeff was the first to identify his childhood friend.

Franco said the launching pad of their solo careers was with the BDF band which marked the beginning of their promising careers.

“Our time with the BDF band set the stage for his eventual and quick rise to stardom. Until his tragic end Jeff remains my friend even at this darkest hour,” said Franco.

Franco is one of the last people to converse with Jeff before his sad end last week Thursday.

On Wednesday he had called Franco to advice him on final preparations of the Makgasa Party music festival penciled for August.

Matheatau was billed to perform at the show alongside other local musicians at the Fora Farm in Kumakwane.

The duo’s bond transcended the musical spectrum, first they joined the army at the same time, quit the army with the hope of following a music career which was booming, last but not least they both stood at 1.85metres and wear size nine shoes. A friend in need..

Jeff frequented Bodiba Night Club during which he was inspired by the prodigy of the late Lawi Somana, the sensational Zaire musician who became the godfather of the local rhumba music.

Jeff spent much time as a back-up dancer before launching a solo career in 2002 with his first ever hit album Di lala di Tshameka, and from then on, he churned out hit after hit.

Alfred Mosimanegape of the iconic Les Africa Sound band said Jeff contributed to the development of rhumba music in Botswana.

Jeff and Alfredo Mos, crossed paths as early as 1998 during the BDF day festivities. As they always say the rest was history.

The last show Mosimanegape and Jeff took part in was the Kwambala music show in Francistown last month where the former performed under a new moniker LLM, loosely translated to Lekhete La Monnamogolo.

“Jeff’s departure has left a void that reverberates far beyond his immediate circle. His passing is not only a personal loss to those who knew and loved him, but a seismic blow to the music industry at large. A visionary, a mentor, and a relentless creative force, Jeff was more than a musician, he was a cultural beacon whose influence shaped the soundscape of a generation. 

Whether on stage, in studio, or behind the scenes, his fingerprints are etched into the very fabric of Southern African music. His work was not just heard, it was felt. With every note, every lyric, and every rhythm, Jeff told stories that resonated with the soul. He was a master of his craft, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary flair, and in doing so, he carved out a space that was uniquely his own,” he added. He said Jeff’s collaborations with Les Africa Sounds were nothing short of visionary.

Alfredo Mos said together they toured the country, to introduce his solo career and not only entertaining but educating, uplifting, and uniting.

Beyond the music Alfredo Mos said Jeff was a mentor to many and a guiding light for young artists navigating the complexities of the industry.

“He gave generously of his time, his wisdom, and his heart. His humility, despite his towering achievements, endeared him to all who crossed his path. He was a man of integrity, of laughter, of unwavering commitment,” he added. ENDS