- EThekwini Senior Councillor, Mxolisi Kaunda, condemned the senseless murder of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes in a statement on Saturday morning.
- Messages from political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance, were also shared on Twitter.
- AKA was killed in a shooting at a popular nightspot on Durban’s Florida Road on Friday night.
Kiernan ‘alias’ Forbes was delicate in a shooting at a popular nightspot on Durban’s Florida Road on Friday night.
The death of the South African rapper was confirmed by his parents, Tony and Lynn, in a statement shared on social media Saturday morning.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, and most importantly, father to his beloved daughter, Kairo. To many, he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA, and many other names of affection for which his legion of admirers called him. Our son was loved, and he gave love in return.”
— Tony and Lynn Forbes on the death of their son.
Following the news of his death, industry colleagues, friends and fans paid tribute to AKA, remembering the indelible mark he left on the country’s music industry.
READ MORE | Tributes rain down for SA AKA rapper after Durban shooting
The Department for Sport, Arts and Culture issued a statement on Twitter, lamenting “one of the most patriotic artists to have flown the South African flag wherever he went.”
EThekwini Mayor’s Councillor, Mxolisi Kaunda, condemned the senseless killing of Forbes in a statement on Saturday morning.
“The news of AKA’s passing comes as a shock to us as we had hoped to see him perform at the Durban All White Concert at the Durban ICC next week on Saturday. We are calling on members of the community who might have witnessed the incident to share information with the police,” said Mayor Kaunda.
He added that the inhumane murder of the rapper on a popular nightlife street would hurt the image of Durban’s most popular nightspots that the City Council and its partners have worked hard for years to build.
In addition, the mayor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Forbes’ family, friends, and fans.
Statements from political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance, were shared on Twitter.
“Crime in South Africa is out of control and the killing of civilians has become the norm. AKA was an undisputed talent and the music industry has lost a groundbreaking artist. May his soul rest in peace,” the EFF tweeted. .
Crime in South Africa is out of control and the killing of civilians has become the norm.
AKA was an undisputed talent and the music industry has lost a groundbreaking artist.
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/fRCnDeTuxs
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 11, 2023
The DA wrote: “The DA mourns the tragic death of award-winning rapper, Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA. We send our deepest condolences to Forbes’ family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. AKA’s loss is felt by many. who have been touched by his music”.
???| The District Attorney mourns the tragic death of award-winning rapper Kiernan Forbes, AKA AKA.
We send our deepest condolences to the Forbes family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
Many who have been touched by his music feel the loss of AKA.#RIPAKA pic.twitter.com/TnRGvbWAh3
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) February 11, 2023
The police investigate a double murder.
