13 Feb 2022

Family, friends and music lovers came in droves to pay their last respects to Tlhobogang ‘Kgosi Maburu’ Sebulelo in Ghanzi on Staurday.

Speakers who were clearly still trying to come to terms with Kgosi Maburu’s sudden death, lionised him for breathing life into Bakgalagadi culture through music, yet remained humble to anyone.  

Ghanzi South Member of Parliament, Motsamai Motsamai said Kgosi Maburu brought attention, respect and dignity to Bakgalagadi culture.

Motsamai said Kgosi Maburu’s lyrics were laden with message and cited the song Maburu from his second album Tshegana ya ga lengaungau, that cautioned farmers to jealously guard against being ripped off their livestock.

He said the title song from Kgosi Maburu’s debut album, Shekgwa shaga tate sheja batqho shaga mme she pokago, showed that he was troubled by parents who mistreated their children.

Motsamai said Kgosi Maburu was devoted to promoting his culture saying, ‘o ne a sa opelele makama, o ne a tsholetsa seriti sa Bakgalagadi.’  He suggested that Ghanzi community should consider naming a village facility after Kgosi Maburu, adding that leaders should stand in solidarity with artists, to ensure that they were not exploited. 

“Even after the demise of an artist, their family members should benefit from their work if it still enjoys airplay,” he said.

Motsamai said Kgosi Maburu was a source of inspiration to many, particularly the youth hence pleaded with them to continue where he left off. 

Taolo Moshaga spoke of how Kgosi Maburu used his music to express his discomfort noting, ‘o ne a phunya sekaku.’ 

Moshaga praised Kgosi Maburu for helping and supporting fellow artists. UDC representative, Onalethata Ngati who referred to Maburu as ‘Machine wa kopore’ said though Maburu was a UDC member, he never went public about it because he was a professional.

He described him as a unifying figure who served all regardless of political affiliation. 

Like Peter Tosh and lucky Dube, Ngati said Kgosi Maburu used music to express his views. 

Ghanzi North MP, Johane Thiite sent a message of condolences describing Kgosi Maburu as an iconic legend.  The legislator called for the establishment of life insurance policy or cover for artists.  BOPA