ATI's spirit will live on forever

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday September 9, 2025 14:57

In the poem, Donne directly addresses death, calling it 'mighty and dreadful' but asserting that it is not, as it cannot truly destroy anyone and ultimately has no authority over souls. That is what we can all hold on to, in a bid to console ourselves following the death of one of Botswana’s music icons, Atasaone ‘ATI’ Molemogi. ATI died a week ago at Sir Ketumile Masire Hospital after being admitted and placed in the Intensive Care Unit for two days. His death has devastated a nation, as ATI was loved by many for his moving music. Death has robbed the country of a musical genius who inspired a generation to dream.

Acting President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, described ATI as a singular genius whose music was never confined to melody, rhyme, or rhythm, but lived as a vessel of something far deeper. Gaolathe said ATI’s creative spirit was a restless, brilliant fire, constantly seeking new forms of expression and moved souls with the sheer power of his words, weaving the language into intricate tapestries that reflected deepest selves. He (Gaolathe) was spot on about you! You have indeed immortalised yourself. Botswana will miss you; the world will miss having someone like you. You have dared a generation to dream and pushed those around you to be what they wanted to be. You were born a star and died a star. You were God’s chosen messenger on planet earth and indeed, thomo ya gago o e dirile. Though we wanted you to have lived longer, you have fulfilled what God had sent you to do, and your spirit and legacy shall live on.

ATI should have been Botswana’s export to the world. You were destined for international stardom with your music that conquered genres. You may be gone, but your music, your name, and your legacy will remain with us forever. With that, the people thank you for the gift that was you. You will be remembered for generations to come. You made your mark and it shall never be erased. Rest in power, Lekhete le le tona. Rest in peace, ATI!