Kiernan Jarryd Forbes popularly known as ‘AKA’ has left for the heavenly abode. The Victory Lap rapper was gunned down in a drive-by shooting that took place in Durban, South Africa. At the time of his death, he was 35 years old.
AKA was a beloved rapper who loved performing on the stage for his fans. Continue reading further to learn more about Kiernan Jarryd Forbes and the shooting incident in which he was killed.
South African rapper AKA was killed in Durban
As per a report by News24, the Award-winning rapper AKA whose real name was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was killed in Durban, South Africa on Friday, February 10, 2023. The news website reported that the cops stated a “well-known rapper,” believed to be Forbes, was fatally shot right outside a famous nightspot on Durban’s Florida Road.
The law enforcement spokesperson Robert Netshiunda has told the media outlet, “I can confirm that two men were killed and one of them is a well-known rapper. Police will not be releasing any names of the victims yet until a full investigation is completed.”
According to various reports, the All Eyes on Me crooner was supposed to perform in Durban on February 10, Friday. In addition to this, he was slated to drop his new album titled Mass Country on February 27.
In his last Instagram post, AKA promoted his upcoming album. The carousel of photos showed him working in the studio and posing in a photoshoot. “MASS COUNTRY 27/02/2023 🌵🏆 … hit the link in the bio and pre add the album 💿 NOW … 📸 @tkmogotsi … 🇿🇦,” he wrote alongside the slideshow of pictures.
During an interview with TimesLIVE, paramedic Garrith Jamieson explained that the shooting happened just after 10:15 p.m. local time and that, upon arriving, “paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds.”
Garrith went on to say, “Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male had sustained multiple gun shot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.”
On the other hand, when we talk about the second unidentified male victim who was also shot during the drive-by shooting in Durban, South Africa, later on, he also died despite life-saving efforts.
AKA’s family confirmed the news of his death
AKA’s parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes put out a statement on the official Twitter page of the rapper to share the sad news of his demise. They started by writing, “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban Police.”
The statement further read, “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, SUPAMEGA, 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.”
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 11, 2023
They went on to say, “In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
Who was AKA?
For those of you who are unaware, let us share with you, the real name of the South African rapper AKA was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. He was born on January 28, 1988, in Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa.
AKA rose to prominence after dropping his single Victory Lap from his debut studio album, Altar Ego in 2010. He released his second album named Labels in the year 2014. His third album, Touch My Blood saw the light of day in 2018. He released his fourth album Bhovamania in 2020.
Along with this, Kiernan dropped a collaborative album with Anatii, titled Be Careful What You Wish For in 2017. Some of his smashing hit singles include Lemons, All Eyes on Me, and Fela In Versace.
When it comes to the personal life of the famous rapper AKA, he lost his fiancee Nelli Tembe, in 2021. Then, Nelle fell to her death from her hotel room in a Cape Town hotel in April 2021. Kiernan was a proud girl dad. He and his former partner DJ Zinhle welcomed their daughter Kairo Olwethu Forbes, in the year 2015.
Tributes pour in for South African rapper AKA
As soon as the news of AKA’s death broke out, many of his fans flooded the social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter with loads of condolence messages. Several fans thanked AKA for his music.
A social media user tweeted, “#RIPAKA | This is God’s will ’til I’m buried in six feet. I’m honored to have witnessed such a deep soul touching piece of art! Thanks a ton K.O, Vigi and the late AKA, go well Kiernan Forbes, Supa Mega, thank you for music.”
Followed by a user who penned, “No artist loved his country like Kiernan Forbes.. absolutely no one! AKA loved South Africa unashamedly and flew the flag high wherever he goes around the Globe. A true compatriot who deserve a state funeral. A 7 days week of mourning must be declared, flags down!”
No artist loved his country like Kiernan Forbes.. absolutely no one! AKA loved South Africa unashamedly and flew the flag high wherever he goes around the Globe. A true compatriot who deserve a state funeral. A 7 days week of mourning must be declared, flags down! 🇿🇦 #RIPAKA pic.twitter.com/tPaRHZ7mlm
— Nathi 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇷🇺🇵🇸 (@Nkosinathi_99) February 11, 2023
Another fan wrote, “Almost 2-years since Anele fell to her death, her man, AKA just followed Go well Kiernan Forbes, 35 is such a young age. Deeply shocked, and saddened by the tragic news of his death.”
A user chimed in, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of Cape Town’s sons, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes, My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. I trust that the South African Police Service will ensure that the perpetrators are caught quickly.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of Cape Town’s sons, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes,
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans.
I trust that the South African Police Service will ensure that the perpetrators are caught quickly. pic.twitter.com/r4K5FtxfFr
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) February 11, 2023
Our love and prayers go out to the near and dear ones of the South African rapper AKA during this hard time. May his soul rest in peace. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of entertainment.
