AKA
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AKA Biography
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), professionally known as AKA and also Supamega, was a pioneering South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, AKA rose to prominence with his breakthrough single "Victory Lap" from his debut album, Altar Ego (2011). Widely regarded as one of the greatest South African musicians of all time, he was the best-selling South African hip-hop artist in history and a defining figure in the country's music scene.
| Full Name | Kiernan Jarryd Forbes |
| Stage Names | AKA, Supamega |
| Birth Date | 28 January 1988 |
| Death Date | 10 February 2023 |
| Birthplace | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Rap |
| Notable Albums | Altar Ego, Levels, Be Careful What You Wish For, Touch My Blood, Mass Country |
| Children | 1 (Daughter: Kairo Owethu Forbes) |
Early Life and Education
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born into a Christian family in Cape Town, South Africa. He was the eldest of two brothers, with his younger sibling named Steffan Forbes. At a young age, he relocated to Johannesburg where he attended the prestigious St John's College. His early exposure to music and culture in these cities helped shape his artistic vision.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough (2002–2013)
Forbes began his musical journey in 2002 by forming the hip-hop group Entity with friends Vice Versa and Greyhound (Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh). The group earned a KORA Award nomination for Best African Hip Hop before disbanding in 2006. That same year, he co-founded the production collective The I.V League, contributing to the works of prominent South African artists such as Khuli Chana and ProKid.
In 2010, AKA released the lead single "I Want It All" from his debut album Altar Ego, which officially dropped in August 2011. The album featured hit singles like "Victory Lap," which topped local radio charts and earned the album a gold certification by RiSA. His debut effort won him the 2011 Metro FM Award for Best Hip Hop Album and the 2012 South African Music Award for Best Male Artist.
Rise to Prominence and Continued Success (2014–2019)
AKA’s sophomore album, Levels, released in 2014, solidified his status as a leading figure in South African hip-hop. Supported by singles such as "Jealousy" and "Run Jozi (Godly)," the album achieved platinum status and later double platinum certification. Notably, AKA became the first South African rapper to go platinum with an album primarily recorded in English.
In 2017, he collaborated with Anatii on the album Be Careful What You Wish For, which was met with positive critical reception. The following year, AKA released Touch My Blood, an album that featured collaborations with artists like L-Tido, Kwesta, and Nigerian producer Kiddominant. The album was certified double platinum and included the commercially successful single "Fela in Versace." AKA also engaged with fans by hosting a contest to design the album’s cover art.
Later Projects and Legacy (2020–2023)
In November 2021, AKA released the EP Bhovamania, which included singles such as "Energy" and "Python." He was nominated for Artist of the Decade at the South African Hip Hop Awards, underscoring his impact on the genre.
In 2022, AKA announced his fourth studio album, Mass Country, with the lead single "Lemons (Lemonade)" featuring Nasty C achieving 4× Platinum certification. The album was released posthumously in February 2023 and quickly reached Platinum status. Sony Africa later announced plans for a deluxe edition of the album.
Personal Life
AKA’s personal life was often in the public eye. He dated producer DJ Zinhle, with whom he had a daughter named Kairo Owethu Forbes in 2015. The couple experienced an on-and-off relationship, including a split in 2015 following allegations of AKA’s infidelity with television presenter Bonang Matheba. AKA and Matheba confirmed their relationship in 2016 but parted ways in 2017. AKA and Zinhle reunited briefly in 2018 before separating again in 2019.
In 2021, AKA announced his engagement to Nelli Tembe. Tragically, Tembe died in April 2021 after falling from a hotel in Cape Town. Following her death, AKA faced public scrutiny and allegations related to their relationship, which he addressed in a public statement. Controversy continued as former police minister Bheki Cele later alleged that Tembe’s death was suspected to be a murder during a parliamentary task team session in 2025.
Murder and Investigation
On 10 February 2023, AKA was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban while preparing to perform at a nightclub for his birthday celebration. His friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane was also killed in the attack. Police investigations revealed the killing was a coordinated hit involving multiple individuals, including gunmen, stalkers, and a weapons dealer. The orchestrator followed AKA from the airport to his hotel. The trial related to the murders has been postponed to July 2026 after judicial reprimands of the involved lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was AKA’s real name?
A: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes.
Q: Which album made AKA the first South African rapper to go platinum with an English album?
A: Levels (2014).
Q: How did AKA die?
A: He was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on 10 February 2023.
Q: Did AKA have any children?
A: Yes, he had a daughter named Kairo Owethu Forbes with DJ Zinhle.
Q: What was AKA’s final album?
A: Mass Country, released posthumously in 2023.
Conclusion
AKA’s legacy as a trailblazer in South African hip-hop remains undeniable. From his early days with Entity to becoming the best-selling hip-hop artist in the country, his influence transcended music, inspiring a generation of artists and fans alike. Despite a life marked by personal challenges and a tragic end, AKA’s contributions to the cultural fabric of South Africa continue to resonate. His music, entrepreneurial spirit, and impact on the industry ensure that his name will be remembered as a cornerstone of South African music history.
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