Unreleased ATI music set to keep his legacy alive
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday September 10, 2025 06:00
Over the weekend, as the nation bid farewell to ATI, born Atasaone Molemogi in his home village of Lerala, many, even across social media, expressed concern that it would take time before Botswana experiences the lyrical genius that was ATI.
However, there is exciting news about the 35-year-old music catalogue; he has unreleased music. This revelation has reignited hope among his loyal followers, many of whom had struggled to come to terms with his untimely passing. ATI, known for his electric stage presence and lyrical depth, his music often spoke to the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, making him one of the most influential voices. Speaking at the burial, ATI’s manager, Kebaitse Basima, assured mourners that plans are underway to ensure his art lives on.
“ATI’s legacy should continue. I will be in discussion with his parents to see how we can go about releasing his music and continuing his legacy,” he said.
From his high school days, where he wowed peers at student shows and rap battles, it was clear that music was not just a hobby but a calling. Later, during his time at the University of Botswana, he formally introduced himself to the industry with his 2010 mixtape, 100%. The project laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated, sometimes turbulent, career.
One of his longtime friends, Kamogelo Skems Madikwe, revealed that the artist had recently shared with him some of his unreleased work. “He sent me the song Mankalekaleng. He told me that he had poured out his heart and soul into it, and he wanted us to listen. He also shared with me about 27 other songs he had worked on,” Madikwe said.
Producers close to the rapper added that ATI had a habit of writing endlessly, often recording songs that never saw the light of day. For fans and music lovers, Lekhete’s story is far from over; the prospect of hearing these unreleased tracks offers comfort. It means that although ATI’s physical presence is gone, his music will continue to live on.