Biography
AKA, real name – Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, is a South African rapper.
He was born on 28 January 1988. AKA was 35 years as of 2023 when he was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Durbar
Forbes gained notoriety in 2010 with his single “Victory Lap” from his debut studio album, Altar Ego.
Education
AKA had his elementary education at Holy Cross Convent, Cape Town and Greenside Primary School.
He later proceeded to St. John College, where he had his high school education. AKA then headed to the university to bag a degree in Sound Engineering before dropping out to focus on music.
Career
As an undergraduate, AKA co-founded a music group, The IV Collective, alongside two other members. The group worked with artists to produce songs before they were disbanded.
Later in 2002, the renowned rapper co-founded “Entity”, a hip-hop crew alongside two other friends, Vice Versa and Greyhound.
After putting out a succession of hit singles like Mistakes, In My Walk, and I Do, AKA became well-known in the South African music scene.
After his debut album Alter Ego in 2011, which included well-known songs like I Want It All, All I Know, and Victory Lap, he became an authority in the rappers’ world. These songs dominated charts across the world and made AKA a major player in the music business.
AKA quickly began working with other musicians and performing at important events thanks to his newfound prominence. AKA received numerous nominations and awards due to the popularity of “Alter Ego”. Due to the album’s outstanding sales, RISA additionally awarded gold certification to it.
Over the next two years, AKA continued to release more singles as he worked on his second album, Levels, which was released in 2014. This album included popular tracks such as Kontrol, Jealousy, Congratulate, and Run Jozi. His third album, Touch My Blood, was released in 2018 and was a commercial hit, earning him several awards and recognition, including a Platinum certification which earned him a Double Platinum.
In 2020, AKA released a four-track EP called Bhovamania, which included the singles Cross My Heart, Python, Monuments, and Energy.
In November 2021, AKA dropped an Extended Play, “Bhovamania”, which contained four songs – “Energy”, “Python”, “Monuments”, and “Cross My Heart.”
Later in 2022, AKA announced his fourth studio album, “Mass Country,” on Instagram. The album’s lead single, “Lemons [Lemonade]”, featuring Nasty C, was released on September 16th, 2022 and went on to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Marriage
AKA was formerly in a relationship with DJ Zinhle, who birthed his daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes. They broke up later due to irreconcilable differences.
In 2021, AKA announced his engagement with Nelli Tembe. However, Tembe died after falling from a hotel in Cape Town.
Net worth
AKA is reportedly one of the richest rappers in Africa, with a net worth of $12 million
Death
AKA was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Durban, South Africa, at a nightclub party at Yugo Nightclub on the 10th of February, 2023.
Prior to the dastard incident. AKA posted his location on his Instagram. After a meal before the shooting, he stepped outside a restaurant with his bodyguard and a friend.
Forbes was shot six times and couldn’t survive the shots. He died alongside his friend, but his bodyguard survived the shooting with injuries.
Achievements
Discography
Studio albums
- Altar Ego
- Levels
- Touch My Blood
Collaborative albums
- Be Careful What You Wish For (with Anatii)
Extended Plays
- Bhovamania
Awards and nominations
- South African Music Awards
- Channel O Africa Music Video Awards
- African Muzik Magazine Awards
- MTV Africa Music Awards
- African Muzik Magazine Awards
- Kora Awards
- BET Awards
- MTV Europe Music Awards
- M.O.B.O. Awards
- Metro FM Music Awards
- 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards
- Namibia Annual Music Awards
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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