The great Brenda Fassie just reminded me of my late cousin, Mox. Mox liked saying “Ola Kasi”, referring to his hometown of Bontleng. In ‘Istraight Lendaba’(1992), Brenda’s first words are:”Ola Kasi” perhaps giving a shoutout to her hometown, Langa, and all Kasis, such as Bontleng.
One of my favourite memories of Mox, is when, topless, he’d leave me in his room and just stand for atleast an hour at the gate: just there greeting passerbys, immersing himself in his environment, and, perhaps, thinking of life.
This was around the late 90s to the early 2000s.
Then I found it strange(I even teased him). And I think I’ve joined him in his ‘gate moments’ for about 5 minutes at the most. I really miss him and right now I wish I could just stand for a longer time at that gate and chant: Ola Kasi!
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 