by Thinus Ferreira
The South African rapper and songwriter Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was murdered in a Friday night Durban drive-by double killing along with friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane (34), while a bodyguard was wounded.
Kiernan Forbes was 35.
Kiernan Forbes leaves behind an 8-year-old daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes he had with musician DJ Zinhle in 2015 and was in a romantic relationship with rapper Nadia Nakai at the time of his murder. His former fiance Anele Tembe fell to her death from a hotel room in April 2021 in Cape Town and he dated Bonang Matheba Matheba between 2015 and 2017.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, says Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was shot and murdered along with another man in a drive-by shooting in Morningside along the coastal city's Florida Road on Friday night.
Robert "AKA" Forbes was killed while he was shot at by two drive-by vehicles at 22:00 sitting at a table at the Wish restaurant with friends who were all drinking before he was set to perform later that night at the YūGō nightclub. Their bodies were covered by table umbrellas and were removed at 02:00 on Saturday morning.
In a statement, his Kiernan Forbes' parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, say "It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son on the evening of 10 February 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban police".
"To us, Kiernan 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. In time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a 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 uplifting in the Lord."
Amanda Bani-Mapena, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for arts and culture, in a statement says the province has "learnt with shock and sadness of the fatal shooting of rapper Kiernan Forbes known as AKA late on Friday evening in Durban's bustling Florida Road precinct".
"We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice."
Sony Music in a statement, says "It is with profound sadness that Sony Music Entertainment Africa acknowledges the news of the untimely passing of the South African music icon and culture figure Kiernan "AKA" Forbes".
Sean Watson, Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director, says "Our hearts are broken. We've lost not only an icon but someone who was dear to us as a member of the Sony family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones today."
"All of us at Sony Music convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends, the Megacy and South Africa."
SABC1 in a statement says the TV channel and South African public broadcaster "is saddened by the untimely passing of award-winning musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, who passed away on Friday".
M-Net said on Saturday that its Channel O (DStv 320) music channel on MultiChoice's DStv service would be playing musical song tributes of Kiernan Forbes' music throughout the day.
Kiernan Forbes was the first season host of The Braai Show on SABC1. "SABC1 sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues".
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born and grew up in Cape Town. With two of his friends they formed a hip hop group Entity in 2002.
He rose to fame in 2010 after his single "Victory Lap" from his debut album Altar Ego. He went on to release albums like Levels in 2014, Touch My Blood (2018), Be Careful What You Wish For in 2017 with Anatii, and Bhovamania (2020). His upcoming album, Mass Country, is set to be released later in February 2023.
In 2019 AKA was the roastee for Paramount's Comedy Central Roast TV special on Comedy Central (DStv 122) and he was nominated for Best International Act twice at the BET Awards.
