Botswana mourns rapper Sasa Klaas

The 27-year-old artist, who was the daughter of politician Anna Mokgethi, died about 7pm at Xumabee Game Ranch near Sojwe. Her memorial service will be held at Malapo Piazza in Gaborone on 11 March.

“She was one of Botswana's celebrated talent,” local jazz singer Kearoma Rantao told Music In Africa. “She was young, vibrant, cool, gifted and so full of life. She definitely is going to be missed. It’s really sad to be losing such a young and great talent in a country where we really need it so bad.”

Another jazz singer, Trinity Mpho, said: “Sasa Klaas was a hardworking young lady with a promising future. She handled her career with great enthusiasm, love and passion. We will surely miss her. She was a force to reckon with. Botswana has lost a gem. Rest in peace, our diva.”

Former Botswana Musicians Union president Pagson Ntsie said: “This was a sudden shock to the entire music industry. She was a pride to the Botswana music industry, her passing is a great loss. Sasa Klaas has inspired a lot of Batswana youngsters, especially the girl child. She was a great competitor both locally and internationally.

“I normally watch her TV show with Phat Joe in South Africa, where she was a co-host on DStv Moja Love show. The show is on repeat because people love her energy. She was flying high the Botswana flag on the international arena. For the past 10 years, I have been working with Botswana artists. It was difficult for women to penetrate the music industry, especially internationally, but Sasa Klass proved that hard work and perseverance do pay.”

He reminisced: “I had a radio segment on RB2 [Radio Botswana 2] with Gaona Tlhasana. It was a local music feature where we were discussing Botswana music issues with different local artists. There came the time when we invited Sasa Klaas, a down-to-earth, young woman. That day the studio was on fire with the ‘Mmamongwato’ hitmaker. She was eloquent and articulative on issues pertaining to creatives. We have lost a star – not just a star but an international star. The Botswana music industry was too small for Sasa Klaas.”

Born Sarona Motlhagodi, Sasa Klaas’ career took off following the release of her single ‘A Ke Mo Khande’, a collaboration with local artist Scar. Some of her other notable singles include ‘Playing With Myself’, ‘H.A.D.S.A.N’, ‘You’, ‘The Best Things’ and ‘Vapors’.