Today, February 10, marks exactly two years since the tragic assassination of South African rap icon Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend, chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, in Durban. AKA, known for his groundbreaking music and larger-than-life persona, had worked closely with Motsoane, who served as his manager before transitioning into business. Their partnership was central to AKA’s rise in the music industry, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists.
Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, AKA’s journey to fame was anything but easy. As a budding rapper, he collaborated with fellow artists, including the late ProKid, before finally gaining significant recognition with his 2011 hit single “Victory Lap” from his debut album Altar Ego. This breakthrough marked the beginning of an impressive career, one that would see him winning numerous awards and gaining global recognition for his unique sound and style.
At just 35 years old, AKA had already become a household name, with multiple nominations for prestigious awards such as the BET Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards. His influence extended far beyond South Africa, as his music resonated internationally, and his presence in the entertainment world remained influential until his untimely passing.
In an ironic twist, just hours before his death, AKA had shared on social media the excitement surrounding his upcoming album Mass Country, which was slated for release in late February 2023. The album, released posthumously, earned seven nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in October 2023. Mass Country went on to win Male Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration for “Lemons (Lemonade)” featuring Nasty C, and Best Engineered Album, a testament to his lasting impact on the South African music scene.
