AKA (rapper)

AKA
Forbes in 2014
Born
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes Handler

(1988-01-28)28 January 1988
Cape Town, South Africa
Died10 February 2023(2023-02-10) (aged 35)
Durban, South Africa
Cause of deathMurder (gunshot wound)
Other names
  • SupaMega
  • Bhova
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • singer
  • audio engineer
  • entrepreneur
  • record producer
Years active2002–2023
WorksDiscography
Partners
  • DJ Zinhle (2012–2015; 2018–2019)
  • Bonang Matheba (2015–2017)[1]
  • Anele Tembe
    ​
    (died 2021)​
  • Nadia Nakai
    (2022–2023; his death)
Children1
Musical career
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
Genres
Instruments
Labels
  • Vth Season
  • Beam Group (former)[2]
Sony Music Africa

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023),[3] known professionally as AKA, was a South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, Forbes gained recognition after releasing his single "Victory Lap" from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011). He was one of the most popular South African musicians of his era and the best-selling South African hip hop artist of all-time.[4]

Forbes continued his success by releasing studio albums including Levels (2014), a collaborative album with Anatii titled Be Careful What You Wish For (2017), Touch My Blood (2018) and his final album, Mass Country (2023).

On 10 February 2023, Forbes was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban.[5]

Life and career

[edit]

1988–2013: Early life, beginnings and Alter Ego

[edit]
Main article: Altar Ego

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born in Cape Town, South Africa 28 January 1988 into a Christian family. He is the eldest of two boys he is the older brother of Steffan Forbes. He moved to Johannesburg at a young age and attended St John's College. In 2002, Forbes, alongside his two friends Vice Versa and Greyhound/Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, formed a hip hop group called Entity.[6] The group received a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category. Entity disbanded in 2006 and Forbes went on to study sound engineering.[7] In 2006, Forbes co-founded the production collective The I.V League alongside two other members.[8] The I.V League made production credits for several artists, including Khuli Chana, ProKid and JR. In 2009, he released three singles: "In My Walk", "I Do", and "Mistakes".

On 28 July 2010, Forbes released "I Want It All", which is the lead single from his debut studio album, Altar Ego.[9] The album also pre-released two singles which were "All I Know" and "Victory Lap". "Victory Lap" was successful as it topped South African local radio charts.[10] Alter Ego was then released on 23 August 2011. The album was certified gold by RiSA for its commercial success. The album won several accolades, including the 2011 Metro FM Awards for Best Hip Hop Album. Forbes won Best Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 South African Music Awards.[11]

2014–2017: Levels and Be Careful What You Wish For

[edit]
Main articles: Levels (album) and Be Careful What You Wish For (AKA & Anatii album)

Forbes released his second album, titled Levels, on 30 June 2014.[12] The album was supported by four singles: "Jealousy", "Kontrol" (featuring Da L.E.S), "Congratulate" and "Run Jozi (Godly)" which features KO and Yanga. The album was certified platinum in 2014, and double platinum in 2018 by RiSA. This album gave Forbes the unique distinction of being the first South African rapper to go platinum with an album mainly recorded in English[13][14]

AKA performing in 2015

On 2 December 2016, Forbes released the lead single "The World is Yours" from his third studio album.[15] With the delay of its release, Forbes collaborated with associated act Anatii in composing the album, Be Careful What You Wish For. The album was released on 28 July 2017, with a positive response from critics.[16] It was supported by three singles: "10 Fingers", "Don't Forget To Pray" and "Holy Mountain".

2018–2019: Touch My Blood

[edit]
Main article: Touch My Blood

With the pre-release of "The World is Yours" in 2016, Forbes also pre-released songs including "Caiphus Song", "Star Signs" (featuring Stogie T) and "Sweet Fire" in supporting the release of his third album, Touch My Blood. Concerning the album's front cover, Forbes took to Twitter to announce a contest for graphic designers to design the artwork for his album, using his clear face portrait.[17] As numerous entries were sent, Forbes chose the winner named Taonga, who received an internship with Beam Group. Fifteen days before its release, he released the controversial single "Beyonce" which was a dismissive song dedicated to his past partner Bonang Matheba.[18]

Touch My Blood was then released on 15 June 2018 as it was set to release on 25 May 2018 but then delayed for taking time in building its promotion.[19] The album was certified platinum then later certified double platinum by RiSA as for 2019.[20] Touch My Blood's sixth single "Fela in Versace" featuring Kiddominant received higher commercial success compared to the other singles. The album features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including L-Tido, JR, Yanga Chief, Stogie T, Kwesta and Okmalumkoolkat, as well as Nigerian artist and producer Kiddominant.[21]

On 8 April 2018, Forbes was featured on a WWE live event in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.[22] In February 2019, he was the featured roastee in Comedy Central SA annual roast special.[23]

In April 2020, Forbes alongside vodka brand Cruz launched a watermelon-flavoured drink with his initial on the bottles.[24]

2020–2023: Bhovamania, Mass Country

[edit]

On 6 November 2021, AKA's Extended Play Bhovamania was released.[25] The EP was supported by four singles: "Energy", "Python", "Monuments" and "Cross My Heart". At the tenth ceremony of the South African Hip Hop Awards, he received a nomination for Artist of the Decade.[26]

In early September 2022, AKA announced plans for his fourth studio album Mass Country on Instagram.[27] The Nasty C-assisted track "Lemons (Lemonade) " was released on 16 September 2022, as the album's lead single.[28] The song was certified 4× Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[29]

The album was released on 24 February 2023. It reached Platinum in South Africa.[30]

In July 2023, Sony Africa announced an upcoming Mass Country Deluxe edition, released date to be announced. [31]

Personal life

[edit]

Forbes began dating producer DJ Zinhle at the end of 2014. After receiving several South African Hip Hop Awards accolades, Zinhle hinted at their relationship by tweeting "Congratulations to my winner".[32] The couple have a daughter named Kairo Owethu Forbes, born in 2015.[33] In August 2015, Forbes and Zinhle split after it was revealed that Forbes allegedly cheated on Zinhle with television presenter Bonang Matheba.[34] As Forbes and Matheba denied the allegations, they declared as they revealed their relationship in 2016. Forbes and Matheba broke up in December 2017.[35] However, Forbes and Zinhle got back together in late 2018, although later in 2019 they broke up again.[36]

On 21 February 2021, Forbes posted a picture on Instagram announcing his engagement to girlfriend Nelli Tembe.[37] On 11 April 2021, Tembe died after a fall from a hotel in Cape Town.[38]

Following the death of Tembe, reports emerged that Forbes had been on drugs. He issued a public statement in response saying he would not be drawn into exposing their troubles as a couple to defend himself against "one-sided views".[39] The rapper's statement came in the wake of a News24 report, which claimed to have seen images where Forbes can be seen using his hands to violently break down a wooden door to enter the bedroom in their apartment in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where Tembe was hiding. The incident allegedly took place on 13 March 2021, almost a month before her death.[40]

Death

[edit]

On 10 February 2023, Forbes was scheduled to perform at the Yugo nightclub in Durban as part of his birthday celebration.[41] That night, as he was standing outside a restaurant with friends, a gunman ran up to Forbes and fatally shot him in the head while his accomplice shot and killed his friend Tebello Motsoane, after which both men fled the scene on foot. Forbes and Motsoane were both pronounced dead at the scene.[42][43] Forbes was 35 years old.

Discography

[edit]
Main article: AKA discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Extended plays

  • 24/7/366 E.P (2009)[45]
  • Bhovamania (2020)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Ceremony Prize Recipient/Nominated work Result Notes
2012 18th South African Music Awards Best Male Artist Altar Ego Won
2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards Most Gifted Hip Hop Himself Nominated
2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Male, Southern Africa[46] Nominated
Best Rap Act[46] Nominated
MTV Africa Music Awards Best Hip Hop Nominated
Channel O Africa Music Video Awards Most Gifted Hip Hop Nominated
2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Male Southern Africa Won
Best Collaboration Won
MTV Africa Music Awards Best Collaboration Won
21st South African Music Awards Best Male Artist[47] Levels Won
Kora Awards Best African Hip Hop Nominated
BET Awards Best International Act (Africa) Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best African Act Nominated
M.O.B.O. Awards Best International Act (Africa)
4th South African Hip Hop Awards Best Collaboration AKA – Baddest (featuring Burna Boy, Khuli Chana and Yanga) Nominated
Anatii – "The Saga" (featuring AKA) Won
Most Valuable Artist Won
Most Digital Sales Won
Song of the Year Anatii – The Saga (featuring AKA) Won
AKA – Baddest Won
Video of the Year AKA – All Eyes on Me Nominated
Anatii – The Saga (featuring AKA) Won
Da L.E.S – P.A.I.D (featuring AKA and Burna Boy) Nominated
AKA – Sim Dope Nominated
2016 15th Metro FM Music Awards Best Collaboration AKA – Baddest (featuring Burna Boy, Khuli Chana and Yanga) Won
Best Hit Single Won
Best Remix AKA – Baddest Remix (featuring Fifi Cooper, Rouge, Moozlie and Gigi Lamayne) Nominated
22nd South African Music Awards Best Collaboration AKA – All Eyes on Me (featuring Redsan, Burna Boy and Stonebwoy) Nominated
Best Remix. AKA – Baddest (featuring Fifi Cooper, Rouge, Moozlie and Gigi Lamayne) Nominated
BET Awards 2016 Best International Act[48] Nominated
2017 BET Awards 2017 Best International Act Himself Nominated
2019 2019 Kids' Choice Awards Favourite South African Star Himself Won
BET Awards 2019 Himself Nominated
Namibia Annual Music Awards 2019 Pan African Artist of the Year Won
2020 26th South African Music Awards Music Video of the Year AKA — Jika ft YangaChief Won
2021 MTV Africa Music Awards 2021 Best Lockdown Performance Himself [49]
2023 23rd Metro FM Music Awards Best hip hop artist AKA– MASS COUNTRY Won
Content Creator Awards Song of the Year "Company" (AKA & Kiddo) Nominated [50][51]
"Lemons (Lemonade)" (featuring Nasty C) Won
29th South African Music Awards Best Male Artist Mass Country Won [52]
Album of the Year Mass Country Nominated
Best Engineered Album Mass Country (engineered and produced by Robin Kohl and Itu) Won
Best Collaboration "Lemons (Lemonade)" (featuring Nasty C) Won
"Company" (featuring Kiddo) Nominated
Best Produced Music Video "Lemons (Lemonade)" (producer: Tebogo Mabaso; director: Nate Thomas) Nominated
Best Hip Hop Album Mass Country Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "AKA and Bonang – why it's never a good look to trash your exes and the lesson we can learn from it". News24. 1 June 2018. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ^ KEKANA, CHRIZELDA. "AKA's Beam Group is shutting down!". TimesLIVE. TSHISALIVE. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. ^ Valerii, Eddy (24 September 2020). "AKA Biography – The Rapper's Age 35, Real Name and Life Story". Buzz South Africa.
  4. ^ Lebeloane, Nkamogeleng (12 February 2023). "AKA – the epitome & G.O.A.T of SA Hip-Hop". POWER 98.7. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  5. ^ Se-Anne Rall (10 February 2023). "Rapper AKA shot dead on Florida Road, Durban". IOL. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Hip-hop Entity making waves". IOL.
  7. ^ "#FlashBackFriday: Entity (AKA)". News24.
  8. ^ "The Story of How Pro Gave AKA & IV League Their Biggest Break". OkayAfrica. 17 August 2018.
  9. ^ "A.K.A – Alter Ego". Livemag.
  10. ^ "AKA's "Victory Lap"". News24.
  11. ^ "Newcomers dominate at Metro awards". TimesLIVE.
  12. ^ "AKA – Levels album review". Livemag.
  13. ^ "AKA's LEVELS album goes Platinum". People. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  14. ^ "AKA celebrates reaching the top position on SA radio charts". East Coast Radio. 5 October 2018.
  15. ^ Mphuthi, Pearl. "AKA's The World Is Yours". People. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  16. ^ "AKA and Anatii drop 'Be Careful What You Wish For' album". East Coast Radio.
  17. ^ "AKA announces winner of Touch My Blood challenge, reveals album covers". Political Analysis. 9 May 2018.
  18. ^ "AKA drops major files on #Beyonce & the internet is a mess". TimesLIVE.
  19. ^ "AKA postpones Touch My Blood album release to 15 June 2018". Political Analysis South Africa. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  20. ^ "AKA'S ALBUM GOES DOUBLE PLATINUM". Daily Sun.
  21. ^ "AKA celebrates reaching the top position on SA radio charts". Political Analysis. 7 August 2018.
  22. ^ "WATCH | AKA owns the WWE ring with his spicy raps". TimesLIVE.
  23. ^ "The 2018 Comedy Central Roast of AKA". Joburg. 8 January 2019.
  24. ^ "AKA Launches Signature Cruz Vodka". HuffPost.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ "Listen to AKA's New EP 'Bhovamania' Featuring Sho Madjozi, Flvme, K.O, Grandmaster Ready D and More – OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  26. ^ Bukola (2 November 2021). "Full list of 2021 SA Hip Hop Awards nominees | Fakaza News". Fakaza News. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  27. ^ Israel A, John (3 September 2022). "AKA's "Mass Country" Album Is Ready Finally". Ubetoo.
  28. ^ Banda, Clive (15 September 2022). "AKA Shares Trailer For LEMONS (LEMONADE) Ft Nasty C". South African Hip Hop Magazine. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  29. ^ "AKA's "Lemons" Goes Gold". ZAlebs. 30 September 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  30. ^ "AKA's 'Mass Country' certified platinum after just 4 months".
  31. ^ Banda, Clive (28 July 2023). "Sony Music Africa Confirms The Upcoming Release Of AKA's "Mass Country Deluxe" Edition". SA Hip Hop Mag.
  32. ^ "Rapper AKA and Dj Zinhle Finally Make Their Relationship Official". OkMzansi. 18 December 2014.
  33. ^ "8 times birthday girl Kairo was the most adorable celeb tot ever". News24. 8 July 2016.
  34. ^ "The year that was for AKA, Zinhle and Bonang". Channel24.
  35. ^ "AKA finally speaks out on Bonang split". The Citizen. February 2018.
  36. ^ Maune, Bernice (13 January 2020). "DJ Zinhle living it up in Mauritius as break-up rumours divide social media". The South African. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  37. ^ "AKA Is Engaged 💍". Bellanaija.com. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  38. ^ "AKA 'inconsolable', Anele Tembe's family confirms her 'untimely passing'". News24.com. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  39. ^ "AKA responds to reports of 'violence and drugs' in his relationship with Nelli Tembe". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  40. ^ Bhengu, Lwandile. "PICS | Rapper AKA broke down a door to get to Anele Tembe – a month before her death". News24. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  41. ^ "Rapper AKA shot dead on Florida Road, Durban".
  42. ^ Peters, Mitchell (11 February 2023). "Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes, South African Rapper, shot and killed at 35". Billboard. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  43. ^ Solomons, Jeff Wicks, Nkosikhona Duma and Lisalee. "Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes killed in Durban nightclub shooting". News24. Retrieved 10 February 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ Africanmusic.co.za (27 October 2023). "AKA - MASS COUNTRY Lyrics and Tracklist". Africanmusic.co.za. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  45. ^ "Classic - 24/7/366 By AKA (akaworldwide) on Myspace". Myspace. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  46. ^ a b "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  47. ^ "Home – Samasama". Samusicawards.co.za. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  48. ^ "AKA, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Black Coffee NOMINATED for 2016 BET Awards and more African artists". theedgesearch.com. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  49. ^ "MTV Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  50. ^ Selisho, Kaunda. "From Mihlali to AKA: See the winners who emerged victorious at the 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards". Life.
  51. ^ "Supa Mega lives long! Rapper bags nominations at DStv Content Creator Awards".
  52. ^ Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "AKA, K.O lead Sama 2023 nominees as show heads to KZN". Life. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
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