19 Jul 2026

Lobatse is known for the beginning of organised music, so the late legendary Kabo Leburu a.k.a  Kabo Leburu wa Katara did not just come from anywhere, rather he was a result roused and natured by what his township, Lobatse or Bandleng had been in essence.

Jimmy Kelly from Bandleng group, shared this with multitudes who had come from far and near to bid farewell to Leburu at Peleng on July 18.

Back in time, he said Lobatse Council bought some musical instruments that children in the township could play.

“Then after a year without their utilisation at Newlook community, some youths from Peleng, which is Kabo wa Katara’s neighbourhood, requested for the said instruments to be brought to Peleng Community Hall. At this hall, the youth convened to groom their artistic talents and the town of Lobatse laid a seed of music in Kabo,” he said.

Kelly said Leburu had formed a Facebook page consisting of Lobatse profiling various influential figures of the township legends of music back in the days, including his first influential cousin, Stoffel; a move, Kelly said captivated him in his efforts of preserving the township aptitude to keep it lively.

Later, he said Leburu was called to join Bandleng group as he had a visionary mindset especially toward bringing a life spark back in Bandleng.

He said Leburu welcomed the request and worked with the Bandleng Group in their efforts to kindle life in Lobatse.

Kebalepile Leburu, an elder brother to Kabo wa Katara, when reflecting on his brother’s life said his passion started with him playing a hand-crafted guitar from an empty tin of the then United States Agency for International Development cooking oil.

Moreover, he said their cousins, Stoffel and Philip Leburu were guitar enthusiasts.

These two, alongside Mkhwengwe Mengwe, whom Kebalepile said was their neighbour, played a major role in inspiring Leburu as they listened to rock and roll music and played guitars.

“He was very devoted to working with his guitar in the home when it came to music. And since the passing of our mother early this year, Kabo was never the same. Her death seemed to have affected him as his routine work had changed to just playing his guitar in his room all day out,” he said.

Kebalepile described his late brother as an exceptional and loving person who regarded all.

Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) representative, Ookeditse Moyambo said laying Leburu to rest was not only a moment of grief, but also to express gratitude that Botswana was blessed with a man whose life was devoted to creating music that celebrated the country’s identity, heritage and shared humanity.

According to Moyambo, Leburu’s music was never simply about entrainment only.

He said it was a reflection of Botswana stories, traditions and aspirations.

Despite Kabo wa Katara’s achievements, Moyambo said, he still remained approachable, generous and committed to supporting fellow artistes.  

“As COSBOTS, we honour Kabo, not only as a gifted musician but a creator whose works ordained him in Botswana’s Cultural heritage.”

He said Leburu’s creative legacy was a powerful reminder why the protection of copyrights was important.

“Every composition, recording and performance work for creators are to be protected,” said Moyambo, who urged creators in the industry to register their works with the copyrights association.

“Despite being a multi-talented music artiste, who was sold to music, it is notable that he was also an educated man who had a career,” observed Alfred Mosimanegape of Botswana Music Legends.

He also said he had observed that Leburu’s purpose was to serve humanity with his creative skills.

He further urged parents to be vigilant in observing talents in their children and support them to pursue their passion.

Where there was passion, he said there was commitment to even work without money. ENDS