South African rap star AKA, BORN Kiernan Forbes, was shot dead in Durban, South Africa. The 35-year famed star had been in eThekwini for a performance. KwaZulu-Natal police say the multi-award winner and an unidentified man were leaving a restaurant on Florida Road when the suspects opened fire on them.
According to a news outlet, police sources in Durban stated that AKA was shot dead in a drive-by shooting. The Times also reported that AKA was standing outside a popular restaurant when he was gunned down in the shooting.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Aka’s Songs Of All Time
Speaking to TimesLIVE, ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson said they responded to a shooting incident after 10:15 pm on Friday.
On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds,”
said, Jamieson.
“Paramedics assisted the men; unfortunately, the first male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.” The motive for the shooting is unknown.
The parents of AKA, Tony and Lynn Forbes, confirmed his death in a statement issued Saturday morning, per the Citizen.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) February 11, 2023
“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. We are awaiting further details from Durban police,” read the statement.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” his parents wrote. “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.”
The rapper posted to Instagram about his upcoming album, Mass Country, set for release later this month. Fans flooded his comments upon hearing the news of his death. He also tweeted about his new album earlier that day.
AKA is highly regarded as one of the top artists in South Africa’s flourishing hip-hop industry. He gained recognition for his popular tracks, “Fela in Versace” and “All Eyes on Me.” In the year 2023, he put out an album titled “Prada.” His song “Lemons (Lemonade)” was met with critical acclaim when it came out in 2022