ATI's suicide note and death a hoax

MPHO MOKWAPE
Correspondent | Monday January 28, 2013 00:00

ATI told Showtime over the weekend that he has nothing to do with the suicide note, saying someone had hacked into his page and posted the unsavoury message. The suicide message on ATI's page, which has over 17,000 followers, was followed by a post on another ATI's Facebook page on Friday, announcing that the rapper was dead.  After almost giving up as his phone kept ringing unanswered, ATI finally picked it up and squashed the rumours that he is dead. Despite what could be described by many as a shocker and scary thought for people to tell you about your own death, the ever bubbly and energetic rapper of Batho Bame was cool as ever as he took time to answer a few questions and assure his legion of fans that he was still alive and well.

However, when asked about his death, ATI instantly kept quiet before telling Showtime that he was also astounded when rumours of his death and the fact that he had left a suicide note confirming his death reached him. ATI said with so many Facebook pages out there created on his name, it is difficult to establish where and how such rumours started.  He explained that this time around, someone hacked into his real account and continues to post defamatory statements that tarnish his image and could destroy his career.

'I mean last week someone posted on my Facebook page insulting the Kalanga tribe and I had nothing to do with that and even the fact that I posted that I was looking for suicide pills is not true,' explained ATI.He said he has not reported the matter to the police because he and his management are still trying to sort it out. He apologised and assured his fans that he will never disrespect anyone regardless of their tribe or status, specifically the Bakalaka who were on the receiving end of the ruthless hacker. ATI also assured his fans that he was still working as hard as ever and urged them to continue supporting his music, as he is not going anywhere anytime soon.  He  emphasised that those trying to destroy him will fail. On a lighter note, ATI said he was happy with how his latest album, Polao Ya Motho, is doing on the market despite the controversy that keeps creeping into his life.

He confirmed that to date he has sold 7,000 copies though he still has problems with distribution. He assured his fans that soon they would be able to have a piece of the pie as he is looking into making sure the album will be available countrywide. He explained that with legalities of distribution to be finalised they expect it anytime and everywhere. ATI further told Showtime that with the death rumours still spreading, he continues to push himself.

He was billed to perform at the Lobatse Stadium on Saturday for the Township Rollers event and next week he will be in Francistown.