#1 Tragic News: Beloved South African AKA Rapper Fatally Shot Outside Durban Restaurant
Early Life and Music Career of AKA Rapper
Popular South African rap star Kiernan Forbes, known by his stage name AKA Rapper, was tragically killed in the southeastern city of Durban on February 10th, 2023. His family confirmed his untimely passing via a statement that was shared on his social media accounts. The statement expressed extreme sadness and confirmed that the artist was just 35 years old. Forbes’ parents were still awaiting further details from Durban police regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
The statement from Forbes’ family was followed by one from KwaZulu-Natal police. They confirmed that two men aged 34 and 35 were fatally wounded just after 10 p.m. local time on Friday night. The victims were not named in the statement, but they appear to have been returning to their vehicle after leaving a restaurant. The two men were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot them at close range. The suspects then fled from the scene on foot. Both men were declared dead at the scene, and police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting.
Forbes was known for his music, particularly the song “Lemons (Lemonade),” and was set to release his new album “Mass Country” later in February. He had won multiple South African awards and was previously nominated for an MTV Europe music award. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation paid tribute to the rapper, saying that he had “contributed immensely to the South African music industry.” Forbes’ untimely passing is a great loss for the music industry and his fans across the world.
The other victim has not been officially named, but local media identified him as a friend of the rapper. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda told South African news outlet News24 that a “well-known rapper” had been killed, but said that police would “not be releasing any names of the victims” pending an investigation. It’s still unclear why the shooting occurred or who was responsible, but Forbes’ fans and colleagues are mourning his loss and sending condolences to his family and friends.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, and shootings are not uncommon in the country. The shooting that claimed Forbes’ life is another reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country. Last month, eight people were killed and three injured at a shooting at a house party in the country. The charity Gun Free South Africa estimates that 30 people are murdered with guns daily in the country. The prevalence of gun violence is a concern for the citizens of South Africa and the government.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 11, 2023
Forbes’ parents paid tribute to him in their statement, saying, “To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo.” They added, “To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova, and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return.” Forbes’ legacy as an artist and father will continue to live on, and his fans will remember him through his music and the impact he had on the South African music industry.
Read our next article:
