The South African music industry has been hit with a major loss as rapper AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, was reportedly killed in a shooting incident on Friday evening. The 35-year-old rapper was said to have been shot dead outside a popular restaurant located on Florida Road in Durban.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting shortly after 10.15pm and arrived to find chaos and two men with multiple gunshot wounds. One of the men, believed to be in his late 30s, was declared dead at the scene, while a second individual, who is believed to have been a bodyguard, was transported to the hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and local police and metro units have closed the road to assist with their investigation.
AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, was a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on January 28, 1988, and was considered one of the most influential rappers in the South African music industry. AKA was known for his unique style and flow, as well as his socially conscious lyrics that often dealt with themes of crime, poverty, and political corruption in South Africa.
AKA broke into the music scene over a decade ago and quickly established himself as one of the country’s top rappers. He has released several albums, including “Altar Ego,” “Levels,” “Touch My Blood,” and “Bhovamania.” He was also known for producing and writing hit songs like “Fela In Versace,” “Baddest,” “All Eyes on Me,” and many others.
In addition to his music career, AKA was also known for his high-profile relationships and personal life. He shared a daughter, Kairo, with DJ Zinhle, and was in a relationship with rapper Nadia Nakai. He was known for his outspoken personality and was often involved in controversial incidents, which often received widespread media coverage.
Despite his many achievements and controversies, AKA was widely respected and admired by fans and fellow musicians alike. He was considered a pioneer in the South African hip hop scene and was instrumental in elevating the genre to new heights. His sudden death in 2021 sent shockwaves through the South African music community and left a lasting impact on the industry.
The sudden and tragic death of AKA has sent shockwaves through the South African music community, and many fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of this talented artist.