UPDATE: ‘Kiernan was an extraordinarily talented musician’ says Moses Tembe, father of AKA’s late fiancée Nellie Tembe
“I feel deep pain for Kiernan’s parents,” said Moses Tembe, the father of the rapper's late fiancée Anele “Nellie” Tembe, as he extended his condolences to the Forbes family on the death of their beloved son.
Read more here.
UPDATE: Wish on Florida Road has expressed its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones after the deaths of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
“We are in the process of cooperating with the SAPS and have handed over all surveillance footage from the evening in question,” said the restaurant in a statement.
UPDATE: Julius Malema, after AKA was gunned down: ‘What's happening to our artists now?’
In November last year, amapiano, musician and businessman Oupa ‘DJ Sumbody’ Sefoka was gunned down on Woodmead Drive. The motive for the shooting is still unknown and no one has been arrested for the murder.
Now, in February 2023, the South African entertainment industry is mourning another death of a mega star, rapper AKA, who has also been gunned down.
Two gunmen are said to have gone across the street when the musician and [his friend] just left a restaurant and fired shots, Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, told IOL.
Read more about it here.
UPDATE: LOOK: AKA’s last moments included a stop at the barbershop
Award-winning rapper AKA was shot dead on Durban’s Florida road. He had been standing outside Wish restaurant with a close friend.
Just hours before his untimely death, he had set up a Whatsapp hotline for his fans to be updated with all the news regarding his upcoming album “Mass Country”.
He tweeted: “Looking forward to interacting with you on the Ⓜ️EGACY ☎️ HOTLINE as we roll out MASS COUNTRY … I’ll be doing video calls, chats, exclusive snippets and all things great as we move towards the 24th of Feb. Chat soon!!!"
Looking forward to interacting with you on the Ⓜ️EGACY ☎️ HOTLINE as we roll out MASS COUNTRY … I’ll be doing video calls, chats, exclusive snippets and all things great as we move towards the 24th of Feb. Chat soon!!!
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 10, 2023
We track his activities of the day before the tragedy struck.
UPDATE: Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating two counts of murder following the murder of two men who are aged 34 and 35 years old. The two were fatally wounded on Florida Road in Morningside, Durban just after 10pm on Friday night, February 10.
Information at police's disposal at this stage indicate that the men were walking towards their vehicle from a restaurant when they were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range. The suspects are reported to have fled from the scene on foot.
Both victims were declared dead at the scene.
We would like to express our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Hip Hop Superstar Kiernan Jarryd Forbes commonly know as “AKA”! May his soul rest in peace. The Megacy mourns you Bhova. #RIPAKA [Photo: Twitter @akaworldwide] pic.twitter.com/HmOV7iHUjj
WATCH: The five biggest songs of AKA’s career #RIPAKA
While AKA was among the most polarising personalities in South African entertainment, one thing that was beyond reproach was his talent as a musician.
Over the past fifteen years the Supa Mega compiled an exceptional body of work that is widely regarded as the most impressive catalogue in the history of SA hip-hop.
From his early days rapping with a chip on his shoulder to his latter years dabbling more in the pop rap space, the 35-year-old gave us countless bangers.
So what better way to commemorate his life than to look back at his biggest - and most impactful - hits.
Read about his five biggest songs here.
UPDATE: Family ask for prayers following AKA’s death outside Durban restaurant
Parents of SA rapper, AKA, Tony and Lynn Forbes, have asked the country to lift them up in prayer following his fatal shooting outside a Durban restaurant on Friday night.
IOL reported that AKA, real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, had been gunned down alongside a friend while they were standing outside when gunmen approached them and fired shots.
"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.
"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. 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," they said.
Read more here.
UPDATE: WATCH: KZN police hunt for suspects after rapper AKA gunned down on Florida Road, Durban
KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for two suspects after rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was gunned down outside a well-known eatery at Durban’s Florida Road on Friday.
Police confirmed a second person, believed to have been a close friend of AKA’s, was also killed.
“A well-known musician, aged 35 and (a man) who is said to be 34-years-old were killed. Two gunmen went across the street when the musician and (his friend) just left a restaurant and fired shots,” Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, told IOL.
Netshiunda said police are investigating two counts of murder.
He added that the motive for the shooting has not been established as yet.
Read more here.
UPDATE: AKA’s death sends shock waves and heartbreak throughout Mzansi
Messages of condolences have been pouring in since news broke out late last night, as the public comes to terms with the death.
Rapper Da L.E.S has cancelled a series of gigs he had lined-up following his dear friends passing.
He has also subsequently postponed his all-white event, which was meant to take place on February 11, 2023.
“Unbelievable 💔,” he tweeted.
Rapper and businesswoman Boity Thulo shared three images on Instagram one of AKA, Tibz alone and a throwback of both of them with the caption: “From the beginning till the very end”.
“This is so surreal. 😢💔 For all the monumental moves you have made for our industry, we thank you Gents. ❤️🙏🏾🥺Your gift, raw talent & impact inspired and transformed many lives across borders for the better. ✊🏾
“Rest Easy, Kings. 😢💔🕊️#RIPAKA #RIPTibz.”
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo took to his Instagram account and posted a black image and in his caption poured out his feelings.
He wrote: “Can’t sleep. I’m sure u feel the same. It’s dark. It’s sad. It’s devastating. It heartbreaking. It’s bad. It’s unbelievable. I’m lost for words.
We're devastated to hear of the passing of @akaworldwide (Kiernan Forbes). His 2016 National Arts Festival performance to a packed house was unforgettable. A formidable talent whose life has been so tragically cut short. Our thoughts are with his family. #RIPAKA pic.twitter.com/mIO4KYtFMo
KZN SAPS spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda confirming tonight's shooting of @akaworldwide and one other person outside a well known eatery in Florida Rd in Durban.@IOL @IOL_Lifestyle pic.twitter.com/JHXL7RaDat
— Se-Anne Rall (@seannerall) February 10, 2023
UPDATE: Rapper AKA shot dead in drive-by shooting on Durban’s Florida Road
Police sources in Durban have confirmed rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on Florida Road on Friday night.
Another person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, was also wounded, while another unidentified person, who is understood to be a close friend of AKA, has been shot dead.
Read more here.
Police in Durban have confirmed that rapper @akaworldwide has been shot in Florida Rd this evening @IOL pic.twitter.com/96FYL5j6rk
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