Rapper Kiernan Forbes, AKA AKA, has been murdered.
Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, one of South Africa's most popular rappers, was shot dead on the night of Friday, February 10, 2023, as he was leaving a restaurant in Durban, in South East Africa.
The hip-hop star who is also a South African songwriter, record producer, singer and entrepreneur, has won numerous awards in South Africa and was once nominated as an MTV Europe Music Award nominee.
He was known for acclaimed hits such as “Lemonade"and "Fela in Versace".
A occurrence
Police sources in Durban say AKA was killed in a shootout on Friday night as he was leaving a restaurant and heading to his car. Another, unidentified individual believed to be a close friend of AKA was also killed, and another person believed to be the bodyguard was also injured.
“They were reportedly approached by two armed suspects who crossed the street towards them and opened fire at close range,” police said in a statement.
ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson, who responded to a firefight after 22:15 pm on Friday, stated:
“Upon arriving at the scene, we found total chaos and a scene in which two men, aged around 30, suffered multiple gunshot wounds”.
"We tried to help the men and unfortunately one of them, AKA, had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life, so he was pronounced dead at the scene."
After the chaos and, through a statement from the family, it was confirmed that Kiernan Forbes was killed with his former manager and close friend, Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane.
They had just left a restaurant where they had been having dinner and were on their way to a disco for a performance as part of AKA's birthday celebrations when they were shot.
"It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our beloved 35-year-old son," the rapper's parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, wrote on Twitter.
The investigation
Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the rapper and his friend were heading to their car when they were approached by two gunmen who fired at close range and then fled on foot.
Police said they did not want to speculate whether the killings were the result of a coup, but said that possibility could not be ruled out.
The reason is still unknown and an investigation has been opened.
Kiernan Forbes
Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, started his music career as part of the rap group Entity before launching his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.
It was also recognized internationally, with several nominations for the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award, in the United States and for the MTV Europe Music Award.
He also about his new album earlier that day.
That same Friday, he had tweeted and posted on Instagram about his next album, Mass Country, scheduled for release later this month. Fans flooded the publication with comments upon hearing the news of his death.
AKA's parents paid tribute to him in a statement posted on one of their social media accounts.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, the most important father to his beloved daughter Kairo.”
“To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and many other pet names his legion of fans called him by.”
“Our son was loved and returned with love”.
Motsoane, AKA's former manager and best friend, was also described on social media as "a true gentleman".
Conclusion
Unfortunately, situations like this are common in South Africa, where shootings in the middle of the street are the “dish of the day” and cause the country to have one of the highest homicide rates in the world.
Many people are licensed to carry firearms for personal protection, but more and more illegal weapons are circulating in South Africa.
The charity Gun Free South Africa, which works to reduce gun violence in the country, estimates that 30 people are killed daily in the country using firearms.
What do you think of this situation in South Africa? Did you know AKA? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
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Picture: © 2023 DR
Good evening! I'm always interested in Africa, especially its culture, music, dance, cinema, etc.
I follow some artists, unfortunately the death of this talented artist “AKA” occurred, listening to one of his songs called “Amapiano” in the lyrics there are some phrases in Portuguese.
What would that relationship be? What was the reason for including a little bit of Portuguese?
That,
Artur Meirelles
Good afternoon, Artur. To be honest, I don't know. It was probably because I had Portuguese friends or neighbors, as Johannesburg, the city where I grew up, has a large Portuguese community. But that's just speculation.