Music industry to honour A.T.I
01 Sep 2025
Friends, family and fans are expected to gather at the UB Indoor Sports Centre on September 2 for a memorial service to honour the life and legacy of the celebrated rapper and lyrical activist, Atlasaone ‘A.T.I’ Molemogi.
In an interview, one of the organisers, also legendary creative promoter, Zenzele Hirschfeld encouraged attendees to wear A.T.I-inspired fashion as a tribute to the late icon. The 35-year-old A.T.I, whose powerful music and lyrical activism and was widely regarded as the greatest rapper to emerge from Botswana’s music industry, died on August 31 after a short illness.
As an influential artiste, he used his poetic voice to address social issues and his personal struggles and his larger-than-life persona captured the public’s attention and influenced pop culture. Hirschfeld said A.T.I was not just an ordinary creative, but a true gem. “He reflected our true culture and was a symbol of who we are as Batswana. His legacy was unmatched and he was a great talent of our generation,” she said.
A multi-award winner, A.T.I performed with internationally renowned artistes and topped local charts with his incredible hits. Africa first met A.T.I when he performed on the Big Brother eviction stage in 2013, where the continent and the world experienced Botswana’s mind-blowing talent.
He also served as a brand ambassador for Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) and collaborated with many local artistes, including Han C, Veezo View, Chokoma, Motlha, Sal Angel, Caliba and Seneath, Motswafere and Noello.
A fellow artiste, Han C, said he and A.T.I. believed in, encouraged each other and were inspired by one another’s work ethic. “He always showed up for me and he inspired me a lot. The amount of love we shared was amazingly out of this world. He was my big brother in the industry,” Han C said.
He added that despite the problems A.T.I faced, all he ever wanted to do was to work and continue perfecting his craft. Han C also expressed a shared regret, noting that despite their long-standing relationship, they “don’t have enough music to show for it.” “Our fans deserved more from both of us musically and we were planning to start, but the moment we started, he left us,” he said.
Botswana Music Union (BOMU) secretary general, Rasina Rasina also paid tribute, calling A.T.I an inspirational figure. “He was not only a heavily gifted songwriter, singer and performer, he was a genuine social activist. His voice echoed across all the spectrums of our lives,” Rasina said.
Former Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane paid tribute to the icon on his social media page, stating that his music was ‘never just sound, but a movement.’ “His performances carried a theatrical spark, with fiery effects that made every stage feel larger than life. Witnessing A.T.I’s art was to witness passion in motion, a blend of rhythm, storytelling and pure energy that could ignite any crowd,” Tsogwane said, adding that A.T.I reminded his audience that music was not only to be heard but to be felt deep within the soul.
Although his stage presence was boisterous, A.T.I also had a calm and introspective side. His trademark black tear drop, a frequent feature in his performances, was a mystery to many. In an interview with Mmegi publication lifestyle reporter, Sharon Mathala said A.T.I had revealed that 'the black tear drop is the only way I can separate myself from pain'.
Loudly loved by Batswana, the Serowe native’s departure was seen as ‘too soon.’ The loss was particularly acute owing to the talent and flair he had for his craft. A lyrical and poetic genius, A.T.I leaves behind an impressive musical catalogue with hits like Batho Bame, Ke Lekhete, Komirrsoo, Khiring Khorong, Stimamolelo, Rolling Stone and O Tsididi.’ His latest offering, the Mankalankaleng EP, features equally resonant tracks such as NRelease,Wa Ntortura and Don’t Leave Me, among others.
Ultimately, there was still so much left for A.T.I to do for the creative industry. He was a performer who could transform the lessons of his tears into something celebratory and his legion of fans will forever be left with the significance of his incredible legacy. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Ketshepile More
Location : GABORONE
Event : Interview
Date : 01 Sep 2025
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