Rapper AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, was shot and killed Friday in Durban, South Africa, the Occasions (South Africa) reported. He was 35.
The dad and mom of AKA, Tony and Lynn Forbes, confirmed his loss of life in an announcement despatched to Rolling Stone.
“It’s with excessive disappointment that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and make sure his premature and tragic passing on the night or February 10, 2023. We’re awaiting additional particulars from Durban police,” learn the assertion.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and buddy, most significantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” his dad and mom wrote. “To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and the various different names of affection his legion of followers referred to as him by. Our son was liked and gave love in return.”
In line with the Occasions, police sources in Durban said that AKA was shot lifeless in a drive-by taking pictures. An individual believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, per IOL, was additionally wounded. One other unidentified particular person, who the outlet says is known to be AKA’s shut buddy, has additionally been reported to be fatally shot. The Occasions additionally reported that AKA was standing exterior a well-liked restaurant when he was gunned down within the taking pictures.
Talking to TimesLIVE, ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson mentioned that they responded to a taking pictures incident after 10:15pm on Friday.
“On arrival, paramedics met complete chaos and a scene the place two males, believed to be of their late 30s, sustained a number of gunshot wounds,” mentioned Jamieson. “Paramedics assisted the boys and sadly the primary male had sustained a number of gun shot wounds and confirmed no indicators of life and was declared deceased on the scene.” The motive for the taking pictures is unknown.
The rapper posted to Instagram earlier Friday about his upcoming album, Mass Nation, set for launch later this month. Followers flooded his feedback upon listening to the information of his loss of life. He additionally tweeted about his new album earlier that day.
AKA is among the most acclaimed artists in South Africa’s thriving hip-hop scene. He’s well-known for hit singles “Fela in Versace,” “All Eyes on Me,” and “Prada.” His single “Lemons (Lemonade),” was launched in 2022 to excessive reward, and was named considered one of Rolling Stone’s prime Afropop Songs that 12 months.
It is a growing story.