The South African music community is mourning as Kiernan Forbes, better known as AKA, the King of the South, passed away at age 35. The tragic news of his death, following a shooting in Durban, Florida Road, alongside his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, has shaken the hip-hop community.
AKA was not just a rapper; he was a musical genius, a visionary entrepreneur, and a pioneer in the South African hip-hop scene. This talented artist from Cape Town and Johannesburg rose to fame as a member of the group Entity, which was nominated for a KORA award in 2002. After the group disbanded, he studied sound engineering and co-founded The I.V League, a hub for some of South Africa’s biggest hip-hop stars. In 2009, AKA’s solo career took off with the release of songs like “In My Walk,” “I Do,” and “Mistakes,” but it was his hit single “Victory Lap” in 2010 that made him a household name.
AKA’s immense talent earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Metro FM Award for Best Hip Hop Album, the South African Music Award for Best Male Artist of the Year, and even the Namibia Annual Music Award for Pan African Artist of the Year. He was also a popular performer at events such as the MTV Africa Music Awards, the South African Hip Hop Awards, and the Metro FM Music Awards.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, AKA’s love life was often a topic of media interest. His relationship with DJ Zinhle was tumultuous, and his engagement with aspiring chef Anele Tembe ended tragically with her untimely death.
AKA leaves behind his parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, his daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes, and his brother Steffan Forbes. His influence on the South African hip-hop scene and the music industry will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, AKA; you will be deeply missed.