South African Rapper AKA Tragically Passes Away in Drive-By Shooting: Remembering His Legacy
South African rapper AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was one of two men killed in a drive-by shooting in Durban on February 10, 2023. AKA was shot just before he was due to perform at a local nightclub called YUGO.
The event was eventually cancelled due to the tragedy. The rapper and the second man were standing outside a restaurant when two cars drove past and opened fire with a hail of bullets. The first man was declared dead at the scene due to multiple gunshot wounds.
AKA started his musical journey as part of a rap group, which went on to receive a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category. He then went on to create music as a solo artist and released his debut album, ‘Alter Ego’, in 2011. Over the years, he released three more albums, with the most recent being ‘Touch My Blood’ in 2018.
In his personal life, AKA had an on-off relationship with DJ Zinhle and had a daughter named Kairo Olwethu Forbes in 2015. He also had a relationship with Nelli Tembe, with the pair becoming engaged in 2021 before Nelli tragically fell from a balcony and died in April of the same year. At the time of his death, AKA was in a serious relationship with fellow rapper Nadia Nakai.
Fans and the entire music community have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow over AKA’s untimely death. He was a talented rapper who had a significant impact on the South African music scene.
His music will continue to live on, inspiring and touching the hearts of his fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with AKA’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
