On February 10, 2023 rapper Kiernan Forbes, better known as AKA was gunned down on Florida Road in Durban changing the lives of his family, friends and fans, forever. AKA's friend and former manager, celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, was also killed in that tragic incident.
For his family, a father, a son, a brother, and a partner was taken away that Friday evening, and to the greater public at large, a talent had been lost.
Lynn Forbes, Supa Mega’s mother on his recent 37th birthday last month, reflected on the day her firstborn son entered the world.
“Your natural birth, 37 years ago, left me exhausted yet invigorated. I couldn't take my eyes off you, counting every tiny toe, every little finger.
“My tiny baby boy, my first-born, Your hands wide open, long legs dangling. 2.75 kg, 54cm. So perfect, so full of promise, you left me in awe. In that moment, my heart changed forever; you made me a mother,“ she wrote.
She ended her tribute to her oldest son, with a line that showed the depth of losing her son, admitting that she could never say “happy heavenly birthday” because her son’s birthday is an occasion forever etched in her heart.
AKA’s daughter Kairo Forbes, whom he shares with DJ and businesswoman Zinhle Jiyane, lost her father that tragic night.
Kairo, a budding star in her own right, just like her famous parents, has shown over the last two years that she is her father’s daughter.
This January, Kairo visited Istanbul Turkey with her Glammy Lynn, a destination her father had visited.
“On this trip, it literally feels as if we are walking in his footsteps, with him leading the way wherever we go,” wrote Lynn on Instagram.
In her post, Lynn was candid about the emotions experienced on the trip and how hearing stories about her son brought healing.
“Kiernan, your spirit lives on, and hearing people, often strangers, relate stories about meeting you and their very memorable interactions with you, are very heartwarming but also brings healing to us at the same time.”
Lynn has been open throughout her mourning journey with the public, just nearly six months after his death, she told IOL Entertainment, that they were learning to accept what had happened.
“Grief will always be there, but you have to go around it. And that’s where we find ourselves as a family.”
And AKA's dad, Tony, recently told IOL News that they were grateful to South Africans for the support they had afforded the family ever since AKA was murdered.
"I want to express our gratitude for the amazing support which we have received over the last two years. It has been and continues to be very difficult to come to terms with our loss.
"The support and love we receive helps us so much," said Forbes Sr.
Commenting on the murder investigation which was referred to the Durban High Court as of last week, Forbes Sr said they were satisfied about how the case was progressing in court.
More on that here: Remembering AKA - The hit, the gunmen, the cash and the latest on the murder probe
Nadia Nakia channels her grief in the music
At the time of his death, AKA was dating fellow rapper Nadia Nakai, who has been through her own grief process, with the year he died being her toughest.
On his 36th birthday, she dropped an AKA tribute song, “Never Leave”. She has also dropped “M.E.G.A” (Make Everything Godly Again), which features the talented Cindii Masina and is produced by Osaze Za, and the moving track “Missing You”, featuring celebrated vocalist Shekhinah.
Nadia is set to release a new album, “Braggacy” on Friday, February 28, and it’s not just a collection of songs, but a heartfelt tribute to her late boyfriend.
In an emotional Instagram post in 2023, Nakai described “Braggacy" as a “letter to him”.
“My tribute EP that has now become a tribute album! Because I have so much to say, it is almost done,” she shared, reflecting on the spiritual and powerful nature of the work.
“This is honestly not for you, it’s for me, on my road to healing (whatever that looks like),” she continued, emphasizing the deeply personal essence of the album.
K.O's tribute to AKA
Nadia isn’t the close rapper to AKA who has honoured his memory through music, K.O who collaborated with AKA often released “King Size” last year, featuring the slain rapper.
“If you've followed our journey, you know the competitive spirit that existed between us. This is a record I've held on to and now feels like the perfect time to release it as a farewell to a genius, a giant, a king, and someone who inspired me both as an artist and a fan," shared K.O.
His death also leaves unanswered questions, for his family hoping for justice, a matter that they are keeping tight-lipped around. The State has served its indictment on five men accused of orchestrating and killing the rapper and Tibz.
In February last year, the police announced that Lindukuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Ndimande, were arrested in connection with the murder of AKA and Tibz.
The five men accused of killing will appear in the Durban High Court in May. The suspects face at least 11 charges including, conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and five counts of attempted murder. Additionally, the state has added two charges of money laundering.
Two other accused, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, who were arrested in Eswatini, continue to fight against their extradition to SA.
In March last year, Forbes Sr opened up about the toll the ordeal has taken on him.
"It is tiring. I live in Cape Town, so I have to get up early to be here. You have to travel so it is hard work but for me, it is worth it,” he told the media.
As the court proceedings continue, the attention will be on the Forbes family who have chosen to focus on the positives, keeping AKA's legacy alive and honouring him through projects such as “SneAKA 2.0” with Reebok and the AKA Foundation.
IOL Entertainment