12 Feb 2023

Music fratenity continues to remember South African rapper, Kiernan Forbes alias AKA, who was shot and killed alongside his former manager, Chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane in Durban on Friday night.

In remembering the impact AKA has made in the music industry, Botswana’ musical export, Kealeboga Sedumedi, known as DJ KSB of Phendula fame talked of AKA’s talent as one that had changed and shifted a whole generation from only focusing on house, kwaito and afro sounds that were dominant in the region when he came into the music scene.

“He shifted them to hip hop and rap music. It was never easy for hip hop until his era alongside another great artistes such as Casper Nyovest,” said DJ KSB.

DJ KSB also said they learnt from AKA that an artiste could be independent and attain sponsorships and endorsement through their musical talent and not only rely on performances.

He said AKA paved way for a lot of artistes and changed the landscape for other established rappers.“I learnt to do things independently and more of the business side in the industry than for fame, all with influence from AKA,” noted DJ KSB, a young Motswana DJ who established and worked his way through the charts in South African creative industry.

Elements Gaborone restaurant owner, also music DJ and promoter, Teboho ‘Tebza Freflow’ Twala said AKA was an amazing musician whose catalogue spoke for itself.

“He died a musical genius, it is a great loss for music and entertainment industry in general,” said Twala. Twala also paid tribute to Chef Motsoane saying “he was an amazing guy who managed AKA in the beginning of his career. May their souls rest in peace.”

A press statement from AKA’s family acknowledging his demise thanked the fans for the love and support they gave them after the news of their son’s passing and asked for prayers during their difficult time.

“To many he was AKA, Supamega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return,” the statement reads.

Due to release an album end of this month, with a newly released single Prada featuring Khuli Chana, AKA would be remembered by songs such as Caiphus Song, Fela in Versace, Jika, Lemonade, All Eyes on Me, Run Jozi, Composure as well as The World is Yours and many others. Ends