10 Mar 2021

Fans and fellow musicians took to social media to remember Sarona Motlhagodi, who went by the stage name Sasa Klaas following her death over the weekend aged 27.

Although Sasa Klaas’ career was already prolific, her fans and fellow musicians say she had only just begun. 

“I’m so proud of the woman you were becoming,” wrote rapper Scar on Twitter. “I really do not want to keep talking in the past tense, so thank you for being my friend. I love you forever mami.”

“We will try even though we feel you went too soon. Remember you and I share a birthday. Who am I going to celebrate my birthday with this year? Love you always Sasa, Jesus knows all. RIP,” wrote Vee on his Twitter handle.

“I am failing to comprehend all this and cannot even believe that this is real! Blessed to have known you, blessed to have worked with you! Your absence will be evident. Rest baby girl, rest,” wrote singer Samantha Mogwe on Twitter.

On his Facebook page, Joey Badubi Jr described Sasa as the best professional female rapper the country had ever seen. 

“I personally had a fair share of working with Sasa Klaas at some point, and I was quite impressed by her professionalism and huge passion for music. Her talent was second to none and her bubbly and witty character stood out for me.”

One of the pioneering female promoters, Zenzele Hirschfeld shared a video of their last moment together and wrote on her Facebook page. “As always she brought fire to the stage.” Other artists briefly expressed their shock on social media: BK Proctor wrote “RIP Klaas Queen,” T.H.A.B.O wrote “RIP Queen.”

Former president, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama also expressed his loss on his Facebook page. “The music and arts industry has yet again suffered an immense loss of talent. It is terrible to hear about the sad departure of such a young life in a tragedy. My deepest sympathy goes to the Motlhagodi family. I wish you peace and courage to face the days ahead; and to her fellow artists, hold on tight to her memories for comfort. It is all in God’s hands. Rest in peace Sarona ‘Sasa Klaas’ Motlhagodi.”

Known for her fierce and fearless personality, Sasa Klaas’ fans also remembered and praised her. Mogami Jakoba wrote, “Oh Mama Klaas. May your soul rest in eternal peace baby girl, such passionate and assertive spirit. You leave behind solid footprints on the sands of the time.”  

“What a loss of such a talented hip-hop female artist in the soil of Africa. Your people will miss you, may the good Lord protect you and give the family and Batswana the strength and the courage to overcome all obstacles through this trying time,” wrote Marie Ntshingane.

With over 60 000 followers on Instagram, Sasa Klaas’ last post read “My confidence was not built overnight, it took years of introspection, tears, forgiveness and healing…….”

 

Sasa’s memorial service will be held on Thursday at Molapo Stanbic Piazza at 2pm and she will be laid to rest on Friday at Phomolong Cemetery in Phakalane.  ENDS