South African rapper AKA shot dead in Durban

South African rapper AKA (real name Kiernan Forbes) has been shot dead along with his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane in Durban.

According to Guardian reporting, the pair were killed on Friday (February 10) outside a restaurant as they were walking to their car, when two men who then allegedly shot them and fled on foot.

They were reportedly on their way to a nightclub, where Forbes was due to perform as part of his birthday celebrations.

As of yet, the motive of the killing is yet to be established.

The news was first announced by his parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes on AKA’s Twitter account. It read: “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023.

“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” it continued.

“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.

“In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days.”

First rising to prominence in the mid 2000s as part of rap group Entity, Forbes went on to launch his own solo career, winning a number of awards including Best Male Artist at the 2012 South African Music Awards.

Forbes was due to release an album ‘Mass Country’ later this month on February 24, which would have been his first solo album in five years. His final tweet, just hours before he was shot, responded to a fan who asked when he was going to dye his hair blonde or platinum again.

Forbes responded: “I think when 'Mass Country' goes platinum. Deal?”

Read the full statement from Tony and Lynn Forbes below:

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter