South African Rapper Forbes AKA Kiernan shot dead: Ugandan Hip Hop grieves the Icon

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes also known as ‘AKA’ was a South African Rapper. He started his career in 2002. He gained recognition from the release of his debut album Alter Ego in 2010 particularly from his single ‘Victory Lap’. His other albums include Levels(2014), Touch my blood(2018), Bhovamania(2020) and Be Careful What You Wish For(2017) with Anatii.

In 2002, Forbes was in a hip hop group called Entity alongside his 2 friends Vice Versa and Greyhound. They received a Kora Award in the Best African Hip Hop category. The group split in 2006. In 2011 his Alter Ego album won Best Hip Hop Album in the Metro FM Awards. In 2012 he won Best Male Artist of the year in the South African Music Awards.

It is unfortunate that Forbes’ talent has been cut short at only 35. He was shot and killed at 10:00pm on 10th February,2023 at a popular night spot on Florida road in Durban alongside another man identified to be his former manager, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. A day that started well for AKA ended with his life and of his associate taken in cold violence.

It’s another sad day for the African Hip Hop community. AKA is survived by a daughter Kairo Forbes. He set to release his album Mass Country this February on 24th.

Here are some reactions from Ugandan rappers and Hip Hop fans sending their sympathies and expressing their shock.

Blixxack tweeted, “🤦🏾‍♂️😮‍💨
So, just like that another young life taken. AND it’s right back to RIPs. Cold world. Rappers die too much. #RIPAKA 🕊”

Navio via IG: @akaworldwide Rest in Peace brother. I felt like I saw the whole journey and you always showed love & respect 👊🏽 The Bhova Supa Mega legacy has just begun 🙏🏽 @kairo.forbes stay strong ❤️

Ellis Katwesiime

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