The killing of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, shocked fans worldwide. He was shot dead on Friday night on Florida Road in Durban, South Africa, according to police sources.
Born in January 1988 and raised in Cape Town, AKA first gained recognition with the single “Victory Lap” from his debut studio album *Altar Ego* (2010). He continued to dominate the music scene with subsequent releases, including *Levels* (2014), *Touch My Blood* (2018), *Bhovamania* (2020), and the collaborative album with Anatii, *Be Careful What You Wish For* (2017). In April 2018, he appeared as a special guest at Word Wrestling Entertainment Live events held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In 2002, AKA formed the hip‑hop group Entity with friends Vice Versa and Greyhound. The group earned a KORA Award nomination for Best African Hip Hop before disbanding in 2006. That same year, AKA studied sound engineering and co‑founded the production collective The I.V League with two other members.
On February 21, 2021, AKA announced his engagement to girlfriend Nelli Tembe on Instagram. Tragically, Tembe died in April of the same year after falling from a hotel in Cape Town.
AKA was shot at a popular night spot in Durban. A witness reported that he was standing on the pavement when gunfire erupted around 10 p.m. His family, in an emotional statement signed by Tony and Lynn Forbes, confirmed his death and asked for prayers. “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 Durban police. 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, Supa Mega, 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 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 to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
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