Various local celebrities and fans have taken to social media to express sorrow at the shooting of multi-award winner Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as AKA, on Friday evening in Durban, South Africa.
The incident took place along Florida Road in Durban, South Africa, at around 22h00 when AKA (35) was killed along with his close friend and former manager, chef and entrepreneur Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, who has since been described on social media as “a true gentleman”.
International media have it that AKA and Motsoane were reportedly on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes’ birthday celebrations when they were shot by two men at close range.
The motive of the killing is being investigated.
The assailants then fled the scene on foot.
Rapper/songwriter Heinrich Williams Kajele, popularly known as Mega, told VIBEZ! AKA’s words to them were “to always put out music and evolve as an artist without necessarily changing who you are”.
Mega collaborated with AKA on the remixed version of ‘Soek Soek’, Chester Houseprince, Don Kamati, DJ Spuzza and Chakie.
“He told us to stay grounded, to take humanity seriously and remain driven. The effect the collaboration had on us was impactful, and it motivates us to date to continue honing and polishing our skills. He was a mentor from a distance until we got to meet,” he stated.
Multi-award-winning artist Martin Morocky, also known as King Tee Dee, expressed his disappointment in a series of tweets, saying, “AKA was like Pac Rapper. AKA why?”
Lioness also took to Twitter, writing, “Literally here one minute and gone the next? All this needs to make sense in the end because this is too much”.
His fans also shared their grief on social media, with one saying: “I am a big fan of AKA’s music and style. That’s a big loss for Mzansi hip hop. May your soul rest in peace; heaven is home”.
Another fan, Pineas Shipapo, shared the impact AKA’s music had on him, saying, “This hurts and cuts deep. I love the man’s music because it got me through the toughest time of my life. His music healed my soul, and losing such a legend is devastating. I don’t know how I am going to digest this news”.
Last Tweet
AKA’s last tweet was at 21h25 on Friday when he said: “I think when Mass Country goes platinum. Deal?” This was in response to a fan asking when AKA will go blonde/platinum again.
He was due to launch his latest offering ‘Mass Country’ on 24 February 2023. AKA also expressed that he was looking forward to the greatest digital album rollout.
Earlier that night, he tweeted: “Knowledge and Power top of the mountain. I’m at the peak of my energy. I never panic, I never freeze”.
This was also in reply to a fan asking AKA to recommend a healing song he listens to when he is going through a difficult time.
Celebrated
Forbes, who had performed in Namibia several times, began his musical career as part of the rap group ‘Entity’ before he launched his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.
He was also celebrated internationally, with several nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.
AKA’s parents – Tony and Lynn Forbes – issued a statement Saturday in which they confirmed his untimely and tragic death.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend – most importantly, father to his beloved daughter Kairo. To many, he was AKA, SUPEMEGA, BHOVA and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return.”
They appealed for compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days.
They thanked the public for the love and support they have received thus far, and ask the public to continue to keep them in their prayers and uplifted in the Lord.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na