The Mt Kenya Times 
Late Kabo Wa Leburu Wa Katara, Molepolole Botswana.
Botswana mourns the loss of a beloved guitarist whose warmth and talent left a lasting mark on all who knew him
By Paula O. M. Otukile
Botswana lost a great guitarist in the early hours of Friday. Kabo Leburu wa Katara, best known for his beloved hit Mmapaseka and a rich catalogue of music that spanned decades, passed away leaving behind a community still coming to terms with the silence he leaves.
Kabo was, above all, a people’s person. Humble, approachable, and always willing to collaborate, he carried his considerable talent lightly. Born in Molepolole, he grew into a figure who was widely regarded as a legend — not just in reputation, but in the daily warmth he extended to those around him, right to his final days.
Our second Mulher Forte African Literature awards, held in 2021 at the University of Botswana, offers perhaps the most vivid memory of who Kabo truly was. The event came together against the odds — post-Covid gatherings were rare and fragile things — and we had invited a remarkable young woman named Gaone Ditirafalo to perform as our vocalist. By then, Gaone was battling lupus at an advanced stage, attending in a wheelchair. She arrived not alone, but with family, friends, and a full band in tow.
Among them was Kabo. He had not been formally invited, yet he came prepared, organised, and full of life — as though he had always known he was needed. He kept our awards evening alive in a way no amount of planning could have achieved. As he played, he called out in Setswana: “Kwala ore; Go sego baswi ba ba swelang mo moreneng!” — a declaration that carried the room.
Gaone lost her battle against lupus three years later. We still remember her gentle and generous spirit. May her soul rest in peace.
When news of Kabo’s passing broke, the memory of that evening came flooding back — and with it, a fuller understanding of how much both he and Gaone gave to us. They arrived that night not for recognition, but out of love for what we were building together. Their contribution to the growth of Mulher Forte African Literature was immeasurable.
Mulher Forte African Literature pays tribute and homage to Kabo Leburu wa Katara and Gaone Ditirafalo. May their talent shine on, forever alive in our hearts and memories.
Death, be not proud — for artists never truly leave us.
Paula O. M. Otukile is the founder of Mulher Forte African Literature, based in Gaborone, Botswana.
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