04 Sep 2025

With tributes continuing to pour in for Botswana’s fallen musical icon, Atasaone Molemogi, popularly known as A.T.I, BOPA visited his family home in Lerala to get a sense of who he was to them as they prepare to bid him farewell tomorrow.

Botswana and the world on August 31 woke up to the tragic news of A.T.I’s demise and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for all who have had the privilege of interacting with him through his music and larger than life personality. 

As the nation continues to share his life, memories and overall impact on the creative sector, his uncle Pelonomi Molemogi remembers him as a hyper active child.

“Even though he eventually spent most of his teen and adult years in the city, he was still the same boy that would run around the yard, asking us questions because he was very curious to know a lot of things,” he said.

The uncle remembered A.T.I as a well-mannered child who loved doing household chores.

“He was very observant, noticed things that other people would not do and he was very intelligent,” said Molemogi who also stated that it was evident from a young age that A.T.I was talented as he would make up songs from something he heard people talking about, and that would have everyone in stitches. Every time he came here and did not find me at home, he would wait and when I finally showed up, as old as he was, he would sit on my lap and start making so much noise, hugging and showering me with affection. The way he was with people on the streets, that is how he was at home,” he said.

Even though A.T.I was a well-known musician, he never acted like he was a household name at home.

“That boy took interest in others, wanted others to be fine and made sure to give more of himself in everything he did, no matter how small it might have been,” said Molemogi.

With the arrangements already full steam ahead of A.T.I’s funeral service, former president, Kgosi Khama IV, also paid his respects to the Molemogi family Wednesday in Lerala.  

He shared how he had wished to grow the creatives during a the time when he was the head of state, the period when he got to know about A.T.I.

“We are saddened by his untimely death and we wish to pass our deepest condolences to you his family and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Kgosi Khama.

Equally saddened by A.T.I’s death was Kgosi Sello Moroka III of Lerala who said Botswana had lost a diamond in the creative sector and it was up to Batswana to give A.T.I a thunderous send off.

“I also want to thank Kgosi Khama IV for coming here and sharing his condolences with us,” he said, adding that he had learnt that the Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe and other senior government officials were expected to attend the funeral service.

“Lerala is his final resting place and let us unite and bury this young man with dignity, respect and honour,” said Kgosi Moroka. ENDS