PHUTI MOSOMANE
POLICE in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, have confirmed award-winning rapper, songwriter and businessman, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, affectionately known as AKA, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on Friday night.
The shooting took place outside the fine-dining Wish Restaurant in Durban around 10pm, where the Fela in Versace hitmaker had reportedly been having dinner on the popular Florida Road with friends before his performance at a swanky local nightclub. later on Friday.
AKA’s friend and business partner, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, was also shot dead during the hit while another person sustained injuries.
Preliminary reports suggest that AKA, aged 35, was shot at least six times, but this could not be confirmed at the time of going to press.
Security guards in the area heard the shooting but did not see who did it, according to various eyewitness reports.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, however, confirmed to News24 that a “well-known rapper” was gunned down in Florida Road, Durban on Friday evening just after 22:00.
“I can confirm that two men were killed and one of them is a well-known rapper. Police will not be releasing any names of the victims yet until a full investigation is completed,” Netshiunda said.
Tributes flooded in on social media.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport Arts Culture Amanda Bani-Mapena said she had learnt with shock and sadness of the fatal shooting of the well-known rapper.
“The attacks and killing of music artists are often unheard of and the news we have just received are not only shocking but infuriating. The tragic killing, no matter the motivation, has not only deprived AKA’s family but it has put paid to one of the scintillatingly successful artistic stories in South Africa, Africa and the entire world. AKA was a household name globally,” said Bani-Mapena.
Bani-Mapena said the fact that the incident happened in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the rapper’s much-vaunted appearance at the Durban All White Concert at the Durban ICC was on its own disheartening.
“We refuse to be defined as a province that does not recognize the value of human life. We cannot have artists lives taken in such a inhumane matter. This has left us distraught and bereft. We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We send heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, fans and industry colleagues,” said Bani-Mapena.
SAMRO, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, tweeted: “In this sorrowful time SAMRO extends its last respect to Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. The music industry is saddened by his passing, he contributed immensely to the South African music industry. Condolences to his family, friends & industry colleagues in this dark time.”
SABC Portal tweeted: “SABC has learnt with sadness the untimely passing of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes. His immense contribution to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono: “I am saddened to hear that South African rap star @akaworldwide has been shot dead this evening in Durban, South Africa. AKA spoke out against the repression in Zimbabwe after the arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume & myself in July 2020 & he popularized the #ZimLivesMatter hashtag.”
Born and raised in Cape Town, AKA rose to fame with his hit song “Victory Lap” which was a part of his debut studio album, “Altar Ego”.
His latest hit single Lemons (Lemonade), featuring Nasty C, has reportedly reached gold status.
AKA opened for Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Rick Rossa, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and 2 Chains during their South African visits.
The late rapper leaves behind seven-year-old daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes, who he shares with South African musician, DJ Zinhle.
This is a developing story …
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