Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, who is professionally known as AKA, was shot dead along with a friend, while the two were heading to their car after grabbing dinner from a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban, said his family on Saturday.
AKA was killed with his close friend Tebello, who is identified to be a chef and an entrepreneur. The motivation behind the homicide is currently under investigation.
His parents Tony Lynn Forbes and Lynn Forbes posted a sad note on AKA’s Twitter handle, announcing the passing of their dear son. In choked desolation, they acknowledged the sad news of Kiernan Forbes’ death, further adding their “son was loved,” and he used to give it back as well.
According to the family announcement, the South African rapper was shot dead on the evening of Feb. 10, 2023. Currently, his parents are eagerly waiting for the reports from the urban police, expecting to know the culprit who took the precious life of their beloved son.
Although the loss is globally borne by his fans who called him by different names including BHOVA, SUPAMEGA, and AKA, it’s the loss of his family that weighs more.
The note described Kiernan Jarryd as the son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin, and moreover a friend to many. Those were a few of the relations he had during his lifetime.
Related: AKA Dating History
Mxolixi Kaunda, the Durban city mayor revealed that AKA was supposed to perform at a club on Friday night. But what is more depressing is that he was waiting for the release of his upcoming album, Mass County, which was supposed to be released later in February.
Hours prior to his tragic death, AKA had posted on Twitter regarding the release, which is ultimately making everyone grieve his untimely death.
The head of the parliamentary committee of arts and culture, Beauty Dlulane described the killing as a “hit.” She condemned the killing, asserting there will be a spree of revenge killings performed on artists and DJs, who will be targeted one after the other.
She further called on the authorities to ensure protection for the South Africans, as she found a narrow possibility for the killing of the South African rapper AKA to be the initial stage of an upcoming disaster that is going to hit the entire nation.
CCTV Footage Covering The Last Moments Of AKA
The CCTV footage on Friday captured the struggles of AKA as well as his friend Tebelo ‘Tibz’ while the duo was gunned down on the streets, sending shockwaves through the country.
The police elucidated the event after the eyewitness shared that two gunmen opened fire as soon as AKA and his companion left for their vehicle at around 10 pm. The two bodies were later discovered in a pool of blood, which was only removed the next morning.
Tributes Were Paid To The Hip-Hop Star On Saturday
Although the disheartening public murders were unfolded by the police on Friday, the names remained undisclosed for a while. Tributes poured in shortly after the names were announced.
From 2010 to 2012, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes “was catapulted to stardom” following the release of his debut album, Altar Ego, which featured smash hits like “All I Know, I Want It, and Victory Lap,’ said The Department of Sports, Art, and Culture.
The department further added that he was “one of the few artists who flew the South African flag high.”
Meanwhile, Bani Mapena dubbed AKA the “global household name,” reminding it’s a loss not only to South Africa but to the entire world.
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What Does Kiernan Jarryd Forbes’ Early Life Look Like?
The 35-year-old was born and raised in Cape Town and he was a real pride to the natives. He formed the hip-hop group Entity, which later received a nomination for the reputed KORA Award in the category of Best African Hip-Hop, along with his pals Greyhound and Vice Versa in 2002.
AKA Forming The I.V League
After the disbanding of the band in 2006, AKA went on to complete his studies. However, in the same year, he co-founded The I.V League, a production company that made production credits with stars like JR, Khuli Chana, and ProKid.
How Did AKA Rise To Prominence?
Forbes released three more albums titled “I Do,” “In My Walk,” and “Mistakes” in 2009, and in 2010, he came with his big break single “I Want It All” from the album “Alter Ego.”
Another single from the same album “Victory Lap” had topped the South African local radio charts back then. It led Forbes to commercial success, winning him various accolades including the South African Music Awards for the Best Male Artist of the Year and Metro FM Awards in 2011 for delivering the Best Hip Hop Album.
Earlier in 2018, the unforgettable star, Forbes featured on WWE Live events as a special guest, both held in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The Touch My Blood rapper would be forever cherished and remembered by South African as well as his international fans.
