01 Mar 2022

The entertainment industry will on Thursday hold a memorial service for one of their own, Tumelo Mafoko aka Skonkovia who passed away last Friday at Sidilega Private Hospital following a short illness.

The gifted drummer and keyboard player from Ratholo in Tswapong North passed away at the age of 44.

Heartfelt tributes from his fans across the country shared on his Facebook page show that Mafoko was an iconic figure who had won the hearts of many people from all walks of life.

His memorial service, organised by members of the entertainment industry is scheduled for Botswana Craft.  South Africa based Afro Pop artist Johnny Mokhali, of Batlogeleng ba tle go nna fame who had also worked closely with Mafoko is expected to pay his tribute.

In an interview on Monday,  Botswana Music Union president, Phemelo Fresh Lesokwane said it was hard to come to terms with Mafoko’s demise. He said Mafoko was one of the talented drummers and keyboardist and believed he was yet to impart his skills to other artists particularly upcoming ones.

“Although death has been part of human kind from time immemorial, it is an occurrence that we never get used to it. That is why we believe it is appropriate to organise a memorial service so as to celebrate Mafoko’s life and reminisce of the life we lived with him,” he said.

Local artists including Lister Boleseng, Alfredo Moss and Franco among others are also expected to celebrate the professional path they shared with the late Mafoko.

He stated that the memorial service was held to provide closure and acceptance to those who would not be able to travel to his home village where he will be buried.

According to Lesokwane, the memorial service would be followed by a tribute show on Friday at Millennium Jazz Restaurant, with local artists expected to perform.
The family’s spokesperson, Gabaikanngwe Mafoko confirmed that the burial would  take place at Ratholo on Sunday. Mafoko leaves behind 12-year-old son and eight siblings, including 3 females and five males, his father and mother.
Mafoko’s career in the entertainment industry dates back to 1998, when he played keyboard for several local Disco bands. In 1997, he joined Taolo Moshaga of the Ga ke a re nnyala track.
The self-taught keyboardist has also worked with Les Afrika Sounds band, and was a member of the group that split up to form Extra Melody band, which played Rhumba music.

Mafoko, in addition to playing instruments, was also a producer. Some of the groups for he produced exciting tracks included Matsieng, Dikakapa, Dr Vom, and Culture Spears.

His contribution to the industry is not only recognised locally.

In 2013, he travelled to Italy as part of the Stream Jazz, the band he joined in 2011 for a cultural exchange activity.

In 2015 he was part of the Botswana Music Ensemble group led by the late Soares Katumbela for another cultural exchange activity at Sweden. ENDS