The late award-winning rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes is still receiving recognition in the music industry, most recently abroad. The Congratulate hitmaker is set to receive the Global Visionary Award at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards.
At the pre-recorded awards ceremony (which will air on 10 October), AKA’s parents Lynn and Tony Forbes accepted the award on his behalf. According to reports, a statement by the parents read:
“This is a bittersweet moment for us as a family. Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him. Thank you BET for bestowing such a rightful honour to Kiernan. He would have accepted this award with pride. We are humbled to receive and acknowledge this honour on his behalf, especially for Kairo, who gets to witness her father’s legacy live on.”
Kairo, the daughter of AKA and DJ Zinhle, shared a post on Instagram showing snippets of herself posing and holding the award.
View this post on Instagram
“Daddy would be so proud. We are all proud of you mama,” wrote DJ Zinhle.
Lynn commented, “Making memories that will last forever. You are the sweetest girl and I love you so much angel. ?.”
While AKA’s girlfriend Nadia Nakai wrote, “You go girl!!!!! ❤️.”
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Paramount Africa and Lead BET International, said in a statement, “Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was not just a music icon, he was a visionary. BET is proud to celebrate his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft which left an indelible mark on the world. We are honoured to recognise his extraordinary contributions with the Global Visionary Award at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards. AKA’s legacy will forever inspire future generations, reminding us that music transcends borders and has the power to unite us all.”