AKA was a South African rapper whose real name is Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. He was born and raised in Cape Town, rose to fame after the release of the song “Victory Lap” from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2010).
In order to build on his popularity, AKA continued to release studio albums, such as Levels (2014), Touch My Blood (2018), Bhovamania (2020), and the joint album Be Careful What You Wish For with Anatii (2017).
On the day he passed away, he announced on his Instagram account that he will be releasing his 4th solo studio album Mass Country on the 27th of February 2023.
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One can’t speak of South African Hip-Hop and not mention the SupaMega, he had great penmanship, he was an electrifying performer and had hits for days. His work inspired many and has a catalogue with so many favorites we all have a hard time picking just one.
In 2002, AKA with his two of his friends Vice Versa and Greyhound founded the group Entity. The group was nominated for a KORA Award in the category of Best African Hip Hop. Entity was dissolved in 2006.
On August 23, 2011 AKA released his debut album Alter Ego and the break-out single “Victory Lap” was a hit since it topped the local radio charts in South Africa. Due to its success, RiSA awarded it a gold certification. He went on to win the 2011 Metro FM Awards for Best Hip Hop Album. At the 2012 South African Music Awards, AKA took up the Best Male Artist of the Year award.
On June 30, 2014, the rapper released Levels, the title of his second album. Four singles—”Jealousy,” “Kontrol” ft D.A L.E.S his long time friend, “Congratulate,” and “Run Jozi (Godly)”—were released in support of the album. In 2014 and 2018, RiSA awarded the album platinum and double platinum certifications.
After originally being scheduled to debut on May 25, 2018, Touch My Blood was instead released on June 15 due to a lengthy promotional process. RiSA first awarded the album a platinum certification, and later double platinum certification for 2019. In comparison to the preceding singles, “Fela in Versace,” featuring Kiddominant, was Touch My Blood’s sixth single and had greater economic success. L-Tido, JR, Yanga Chief, Stogie T, Kwesta, and Okmalumkoolkat, all from South Africa, as well as Nigerian producer Kiddominant make guest appearances on the album.
His work truly speaks for itself and we are saddened by his untimely passing as he had more to give the music industry.
Also see: DJ Zinhle pays tribute to late daughters’ father, AKA
