03 Sep 2025

President Advocate Duma Boko has described the late Atasaone Molemogi, better known as  A.T.I as a masterful poet who spoke through words, tone and rhythm and lived a life as lyrical as his music.

Paying tribute to the 35-year-old rapper who departed this world on Sunday August 31, President Boko said Molemogi was a true artist who believed in himself.  “A true artist is genuine, when he speaks, a true artist speaks from the depths of his heart,” he said, further eulogising the genius artist as a poetic wizard.

As he gave all of himself to Batswana, and wrote his name in flaming letters and fought out of contempt, President Boko said Molemogi immortalised himself.  “You lived in us, you spoke for us, you liberated and spoke for the youth, because you are us,” said the President.

Acting Minister of Sports and Arts Lawrence Ookeditse said “Lekhete” as Molemogi was affectionately called, was a national icon, a creative genius and voice of the entire generation.

“He was not just a musician; A.T.I has transcended that status a long time ago. The passing away of A.T.I will not only leave a void in our hearts but in the hearts of all Batswana,” he emphasised.

Through his rich Setswana expressions and poetic mastery, Ookeditse said Lekhete elevated “our shared experiences, amplified our voices, culture and language, and inspired us to be proud of who we are.” 

 He said his message was one of hope, resilience, and of deep introspection. And that his lyrics were philosophical, soul baring, and real. He added that Molemogi told stories of pain, joy, identity, and love.

Ookeditse further expressed gratitude to the Molemogi family for nurturing and raising a star in “It was obviously not an easy assignment, but it was an assignment God gave you. We all know you did so well. Le godisitse ngwana o maitseo,” he said, adding that Molemogi would also be remembered as a humble child with traditional values of Setswana. “He had that disarming mannerism, and maybe that is why he always got away with a lot of mischief.” ENDS