I raised a star- ATI's mom
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday September 2, 2025 09:43
As the family and Batswana prepare to bid farewell to ATI real name Atasaone Molemogi who passed on Sunday, his family is full of gratitude for the support.
The 36-year-old artist passed away after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
The Monitor caught up with ATI's mother Julian Molemogi at their home yesterday. ATI was her only son.
'We are thankful for the overwhelming support we continue to receive from Batswana all across. We see and feel the love. We also got a visit from the President and that means a lot to us. He was my son but I know I raised a star,' she said.
As Batswana celebrate the life of the departed iconic musician today at UB Indoor Sports Arena in a special memorial service, President Duma Boko yesterday consoled the family of the departed superstar.
Boko mounted a strong legal representation for the artist during the height of the pandemic in 2020 when ATI was charged with three counts of unlawful possession of illicit substances, failure to wear a mask, and common nuisance.
During Boko's visit yesterday, the family of the fallen star noted that they are aware that their son was also a beloved son of the nation.
The Khiring Khiring Khorong Khorong hitmaker’s memorial, to be held at 2 pm, will run under the theme “ATI Inspired Fashion,” encouraging fans to come adorned in looks that reflect the bold, electric, and trend-setting sense of fashion ATI was known for throughout his career. The public is urged to honour the late star by dressing in his signature style.
Organisers say the service is not only about mourning the loss of one of Botswana’s most sensational performers but also about celebrating his artistry, personality, and the cultural footprint he left behind.
Affectionately remembered as 'Lekhete le le Tona-Tona, la Botona jwa Mogobagoba', ATI touched lives with his music and message of unity. His own words, “It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s all about the people,” will guide the spirit of the tribute.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in on social media for the fallen musician from Serowe. People remember him as one of the great musicians that Botswana has ever had. Earlier this week, Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) released a statement on the passing of 'Stimamolelo' hitmaker, labelling him as an icon.
'ATI was a patriot, a fearless performer, and a true representation of the heights that Botswana talent can reach when nurtured with passion and determination,' the BEPA statement read. With a couple of Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) awards under his name, the union expressed deep sadness over his death.
'ATI's death has brought deep sorrow and anguish to the Creative Industry. Though his music, his artworks, and his legacy shall remain timeless, we at Botswana Musicians Union are troubled that a young life, a young musician with a massively huge career, is no longer physically with us,' BOMU stated.
BOMU further said that ATI was not only a music and poetic literary brand, but he was also an inspirational figure to all. ATI will be buried in Lerala village this coming Saturday.