31 August 2025
Today Batswana music lovers woke up to the devastating news that our national treasure, much-loved music star, ATI (born Atlasaone Molemogi) has died. At this early stage, the cause of death is unclear. The hugely talented crooner was reportedly rushed to hospital on August 29, where he was admitted to the ICU unit.
Reeling from the tragic loss, shocked and heartbroken Batswana have taken to social media in their droves to pay tribute to the musician.
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 huge career is no longer physically with us.
ATI was not only music and poetic literary himself, he was an inspirational brand to all. He was not only a gifted songwriter, singer and performer, he was a genuine social activist.
His voice echoed across all the spectrums of our lives. ATI will be hugely missed. – Rasina Winfred Rasina – (Secretary General – BOMU)
Although we at YourBotswana did not know the Serowe-born rapper personally, we were huge fans. In fact, we’d been looking to interview him… Alas! Whenever we’d bump into him around town, he always had time for us. Not just us, everyone, anyone… because wherever he went, people would shout out his name, demanding his time and attention.
He was hugely talented but also incredibly humble, down to earth, warm and very chilled. My favourite memory of him was catching a glimpse of him at Riverwalk and shouting for him to stop. He made his way back to where I was and we stood in front of CB Stores as I waxed lyrical about my love of his music.
Then I burst into song, belting out a firm favourite, khiring khiring khorong. We stood there jamming away for a few minutes and having a right giggle before he went on his way. That summed up ATI, musician of the people. He was taken away from us way too early. Botswana’s music industry and the music world at large has been robbed. But heaven has gained an angel. Rest in power, ATI – gone but never to be forgotten.
May his soul rest in peace.
Words: YourBotswana writer
