AKA and Sjava lead nominees list for 2023’s 17th Metro FM Awards on SABC1.

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC has revealed the nominees for the 17th Metro FM Awards with the murdered rapper AKA who could bag up to 6 awards post-humously when the awards show returns after an absence of half a decade as a live broadcast on 6 May on SABC1.

The nominees for the 17th Metro FM Awards were chosen out of 900 entries with rap artists AKA (Kiernan Forbes) who could win in up to six categories after he clinched nominations in multiple categories for his Lemons song, ranging from Song of the year, Artist of the year, Best collaboration, Best hip hop artist, Best male artist, and Best music video.

The slain artist jointly leads the nominees list with rapper Sjava who also bagged six nominations for his songs Isoka and Isubuko.

Winners will be announced across 18 categories at 2023's 17th Metro FM Awards ceremony which is set for the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on 6 May, with the SABC saying it has been working hard to ensure proper "compliance".

The Metro FM Awards got tarnished with multiple serious allegations of corruption, vote rigging and "buying of awards" that, combined with the South African public broadcaster's precarious financial situation, led to its cancellation following the last time it took place in 2017 in Durban.

"We are excited to have reached the second stage of the road to the Metro FM Awards," says Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM business manager.

"We congratulate all the nominees, as this signifies that their hard work and impact in the industry does not go unnoticed”.

"The station went an extra mile to ensure that there are measures in place to screen properly all entries received, for compliance with the relevant rules of the awards. The rules, regulations and submission checklist were all published on Metro FM platforms. As the awards are based on the public voting for their favourite artists in the respective categories, we urge the nominees to go out hard and campaign to their fans!."

The 17th Metro FM Awards nominees are:

1. Song Of The Year

K.O for Sete

AKA for Lemons (Lemonade)

Konke & Musa Keys for Kancane

Aymos for Fatela

Big Nuz for Ngeke

Kabza De Small for Khusela

Betusile Mcinga for Ngena Noah

Gaba Cannal for Healer Ntliziyo Yam

Sjava for Isoka

Wanitwa Mos for Sofa Silahlane

2. Best Afrosoul-Pop

Sjava for Isibuko

Zuko SA for Andikalibali

Brenda Mtambo for Enza Kwenzeke

Inkabi Nation for Voicemail

Mlindo The Vocalist for Lindokuhle

3. Best Amapiano Song

Deep London for Hamba Wena

Gaba Cannal for Healer Ntliziyo Yam

Kabza De Small for Khusela

Daliwonga for Abo Mvelo

Wanitwa Mos for Sofa Silahlane

4. Artist Of The Year

K.O for Sete

Wanitwa Mos for Sofa Silahlane

AKA for Lemons (Lemonade)

Nomfundo Moh for Izibusiso

Sjava for Isoka

5. Best Jazz Album

Linda Sikhakhane for Isambulo

Nduduzo Makhathini for In The Spirits of Ntu

Spartz for Awake

6. Best New Age R&B Artist

Manana for Patiently

MOE for Me Ever After

ThandoNje for Our Story: Untold

Venom & Shishiliza for uThando

Zādok for Othanda Mina

7. Best Collaboration Song

AKA feat. NastyC for Lemons (Lemonade)

K.O feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie for Sete

Kususa, Argento Dust & Zakes Bantwini for Asanda

Aymos feat. Ami Faku for Fatela

Sjava feat. Q Twinz & Mzukulu for Isoka

8. Best Duo or Group

Mafikizolo for Kwanele

Big Nuz for Ngeke

Mellow & Sleazy for Wenza Kanjani

Kwesta and Kabza De Small for Mrholo Wayizolo

Inkabi Nation for Voice Mail

9. Best Female Artist

Nomfundo Moh for Izibusiso

Makhadzi African for Queen 2.0

Simmy for Hlelo

Brenda Mtambo for Enza Kwenzeke

HLE for You're The Worthy One

10. Best Gospel Album

Dumi Mkokstad for The Over Flow

Soweto Gospel Choir for Hope

Khaya Mthethwa for Art & Worship

Kingdmusic for Perfect Love

Pastor Lungi Ndala for Victorious Praise

11. Best Hip Hop Artist

AKA for Mass Country

K.O for SR3

Nasty Cfor  Ivyson Army Tour Mixtape

Blxckie for The4Mula

Maglera Doe Boy for Diaspora

12. Best House Song

Kususa, Argento Dust & Zakes Bantwini for Asanda

Mthandazo Gatya ft. Nhlonipho for Sizobambana

Karyendasoul ft. Ami Faku for Umthandazo

Caiiro ft. Pixie L for Lwandle

Skye Wanda for Amazwi

13. Best Kwaito/Gqom Song

Big Nuz for Ngeke

Dj Tira for Sikilidi

Kwesta and Kabza De Small for Mrholo Wayizolo

Spikiri for Tana La

Professor for Ezangakini

14. Best Male Artist

AKA for Lemons (Lemonade)

K.O for Sete

Kabza De Small for Khusela

Sjava for Isoka

Mthandazo Gatya for Sizobambana

15. New Artist

Oufadafada for I can't give up

CocoSA for I never thought

Group Chat for Mama

Mayten for Wait on Me

Tee Tee for Andizenzi

16. Styled Artist

Mafikizolo

Musa Keys

Sjava

Daliwonga

Sino Msolo

17. Best Music Video

K.O for Sete

AKA for Lemons (Lemonade)

Dj Tira for Sikilidi

Wanitwa Mos for Sofa Silahlane

Costa Titch for Big Flexa Remix

18. Best Viral Challenge

Deep London feat Boohle for Hamba Wena

DJ Maphorisa & Visca for Ba Straata

Felo Le Tee & Toss for Manca

Myztro feat Focalistic, Daliwonga, Shaunmusiq and Ftears for Tobetsa

K.O. feat Young Stunna and Blxckie for Sete

ALSO READ: SABC revives Metro FM Awards in 2023 set for live awards show on SABC1 on 29 April in Mbombela.

South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes (35) murdered in Durban drive-by double killing; 'we're awaiting further details from police,' parents say.

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.

Pilot episode, 2 Weddings & a Superstar, from Okuhle Media for A+E Networks in which hip hop star AKA sings for wedding couples to serve as a broadcast tester and opener for Lifetime's Wedding Week from 9 September.

A new hourlong local South African TV special, 2 Weddings & a Superstar, will be broadcast on Monday 9 September on Lifetime (DStv 131) with the pilot episode in which the South African hip hop artist AKA surprises two couples getting married, that will serve as a broadcast tester for possible pick-up as a TV series.

With South African television experiencing Peak Wedding TV with localised wedding shows on channels ranging from Viacom Africa's BET, to M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Moja Love, VIA, 1Magic and others, Kiernan Forbes will infuse two local weddings with celebrity power similar to shows like Wedding Bashers, Our Perfect Wedding and Marry Me Now SA.

In the 45-minute 2 Weddings & a Superstar, produced by Okuhle Media for A+E Networks Africa, viewers will be shown how AKA shows up at two different weddings - both taking place in Cape Town - to sing for them.

Each couple getting married are unaware that AKA will show up but have been pre-selected because they are fans of his music.

A+Networks Africa confirmed to TVwithThinus in response to a media enquiry that the TV special is a pilot episode for a possible series in which different local artists could surprise different wedding couples on their big day.

In a statement, AKA says "I have made some music and drawn some inspiration in terms of the style in some of the songs that I’ve made, that are kind of tailor-made for weddings. So, it’s a cool experience for me to be able to enhance somebody’s big day in this way".

"Hopefully for our couples, their weddings are going to be something they will remember in a really positive light for the rest of their lives."

The 2 Weddings & a Superstar pilot special will serve as a localised programming introduction entry to Lifetime's first "Wedding Week" on the channel for South Africa and Africa with stacked wedding-themed programming.

"Wedding Week is a celebration of the romance, the excitement, and the drama that is synonymous with weddings and wedding planning," says Fatime Kaba, the recently appointed A+E Networks Africa's head of programming.

"From AKA crashing weddings to a long list of brand new and exclusive wedding-themed reality shows and movies, viewers will get to experience all the highs and lows associated with tying the knot, as only Lifetime can deliver."

Lifetime's Wedding Week programming will include new seasons of Four Weddings on 11 September at 20:05 and Bridezilla on 12 September at 20:05, and the premiere of Marrying Millions on 13 September at 21:00.

Lifetime will also broadcast new Lifetime Original wedding movies during Wedding Week on weekdays from 14:35 and weekends from 19:20. Lifetime's Wedding Week will also have "wall-to-wall wedding content" all day on the Saturday and Sunday.

South African hip hop star, AKA, agrees to be the subject of Viacom Africa's next Comedy Central Roast.

The hip hop star AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, has agreed to be the subject of Comedy Central Africa's next Comedy Central Roast that will be recorded in February 2019 and broadcast on Comedy Central (DStv 122) with the uncensored version going to MultiChoice's Showmax video streaming service.

The Comedy Central Roast of AKA will be taking place and be recorded at The Theatro at Montecasino on 21 February 2019 where the musician will be roasted by a panel of people that will be announced early in 2019.

For the first time the panel of the South African version of the show is likely to include panelists from outside of South Africa.

The Comedy Central Roast of AKA follows after Viacom Africa revived the localised Roast version earlier this year with the Comedy Central Roast of Somizi.

"Every roast before this was practice. Take a seat, Bon Appetite," says AKA in a prepared statement released Thursday morning.

Dillon Khan, vice-president for Comedy Central and creative services at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) says "The Comedy Central Roast is a super occasion that gives the audience a mega opportunity to see their favaourite celebrity being placed in a hot seat, confronted by some of South Africa's big names. So who better to roast than the one and only Supermega?"

Candice Fangueiro, Showmax head of content, says "The Comedy Central Roast of Somizi was one of the most popular shows on Showmax this year so we can't wait for AKA."

SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng shades local rapper AKA: 'Viewers know the singer because of the SABC. Without SABC there is no AK'.

The SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng says rapper AKA would be nothing without the SABC.

On Monday the public broadcaster's limelight-loving chief operating officer (COO) once again went on one of his own channels to talk about some of the SABC's grandiose new plans but when viewers indicated they're more interested in AKA's upcoming appearance, he threw serious shade at the local rapper.

Hlaudi Motsoeneng on Monday went on SABC2's Morning Live to talk about the SABC's new plans for new TV channels for an interview marred by sound problems that anchor Leanne Manas apologised for.

Leanne Manas told viewers they can ask Hlaudi Motsoeneng questions about the SABC's new TV channels plans, as well as for the SABC's chief financial officer (CFO) James Aguma who hardly got any talk time and had little specific to say during the segment.

"I quickly had a glimpse at Twitter to see if there are any questions you would like to ask the COO and CFO. Please do. This is your platform right now," said Leanne Manas.

"But it seems that people are too excited that AKA is coming to visit us so I don't know guys if you can compare to AKA at this point. So it looks like that's all they want to talk about."

The professional anchor then cleverly tried to open and give the SABC executives what is called an "easy in" by creating a link to a comfortable talking point by saying "that's local content. The power of local content."

Hlaudi Motsoeneng abruptly replied: "But they know the singer because of the SABC. Without SABC there is no AK," he said, leaving out the last letter of the stage name of the rapper whose real name is Kiernan Forbes.

Leanne Manas laughed awkwardly as Hlaudi Motsoeneng continued.

"And this is what we are say. We are calling  local content. So at the SABC we want to make sure that we cater more local content."

"Remember Leanne, we have put more than R600 million to cater for local content. People see many changes within the organisation especially because we have been concentrating using English. Now we are going to use other African languages which is good for the country."

E! Entertainment starts first local TV series, E! News Special, on DStv after more than a decade; 12-part series will profile South African celebrities.

E! Entertainment (DStv 124) is finally starting its first South African TV series which will profile some South Africans in the channel's well-known "fame-a-mentary" approach, more than a decade after MultiChoice added the American entertainment news channel to DStv.

The series, somewhat misguidedly just entitled E! News Special without making any reference to South Africa or a moniker to let viewers know it would be about local celebrities, will see episodes chronicling people like Bonang Matheba, Danny K, musician AKA and others.

NBCUniversal International Networks greenlit the local production for E! Entertainment, the first in longer than a decade since E! Entertainment was added to MultiChoice's DStv at the end of 2004 in a carriage agreement.

NBCUniversal International Networks has been very late to the party with local content for E! Entertainment as BBC Worldwide commissioned Come Dine with Me SA for BBC Entertainment, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) started a flurry of local shows for MTV Base and other channels like MTV and BET, and even channels like History, Trace Sport Stars, TLC Entertainment and others got in on the act to regionalise their line-up with a sprinkling of some South African programming.

The fame biography genre which seemed new a decade ago to South African viewers has since become mundane viewing, with the E! News Special which some viewers might negatively compare to Nicky Greenwall's The Close Up on e.tv which will return for a 5th season of 13 episodes in November, as well as the just-concluded My Story on M-Net (DStv 101) all using the same approach.

E! News Special as a 12-part series, filmed in South Africa and produced by production company Brainstorm, will start on E! Entertainment on Thursday 10 September, profiling singers, actors, models, socialites and sport stars ranging from Terry Pheto to Sashi Naidoo.

"We are delighted to launch our first-ever local production on E! in Africa and add E! News Special to the channel's exclusive line-up of high-quality, original programming," says Colin McLeod, the managing director for emerging markets at NBCUniversal International Networks.

"We are confident that the profiles of local celebrities will resonate well with our audience, making E! the TV destination for the pop of African culture".