It is a sad day in South Africa following the events of Friday, 10 February 2023. This is as the country has lost rapper AKA know in private life as Kiernan Forbes at the age of 35 years old.
South African rapper AKA. The talented artist was tragically gunned down in a drive-by shooting outside of a restaurant, making him one of two casualties from the fatal attack. This shocking news has sent ripples throughout both South Africa and the international music community who knew and appreciated his artistry and skill.
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We want to honor AKA’s life by presenting you with an overview of his inspiring career as well as address how this loss will deeply impact both fans and the music industry.
More About the Incident
AKA, the stage name of South African rap star Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was assassinated in a dreaded drive-by shooting in Durban on Friday. Tragically, he and another man were falling victim to a series of gunshots from two passing cars.
This heinous attack meant AKA’s scheduled performance at YUGO nightclub was canceled shortly thereafter with a statement released expressing condolences and regretting the “unfortunate circumstances”. The tragic event has left many heartbroken as fans all over grieve for one of South Africa’s bright musical stars whose light has now been extinguished all too soon.
The sudden, shocking news of AKA’s untimely passing has shaken the music industry to its core. Paramedics who arrived on the scene of the shooting described it as chaotic, and immediately identified two men in their late 30s with multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one of them had already succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Reports suggest that AKA was shot six times in this tragic incident.
Many AKA fan’s instantly shared their condolence on social media from around the world – tributes have poured in for AKA and fond memories remembered.
One fan wrote, “RIP AKA…the music industry in this world won’t forget you. You did great sir,” – an outpouring of sorrow for an artist whose musical talent will be remembered far into the future.
About Rapper AKA
AKA, real name Kiernan Jordan Forbes, was certainly born to make music. In 2002, he was already making waves as part of a hip hop group called Entity and earned a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category before the group broke up in 2006.
His solo career skyrocketed with the release of his debut album Alter Ego in 2011 and further reaffirmed itself with the following albums – culminating with Touch My Blood in 2018.
AKA also had an turbulent personal life and officially welcomed his daughter Kario Olwethu Forbes into the world in 2015, alongside her mother DJ Zinhle Jiyane who, together with AKA, experienced an on-off relationship until their split later that year. Despite having always been surrounded by music, both professionally and personally, AKA’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away at the age of 35 on 11 Feb 2023.
AKA was a well-known rapper in South Africa and will be greatly missed by his fans. His music brought people together and will continue to do so. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
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