South Africa has been celebrating the enduring legacy of the late music icon, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, on what would have been his 38th birthday.
In February 2023, AKA and his friend, Chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, were fatally shot outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
On his heavenly birthday, January 28, the outpouring of honour came not only from his family but also from many in the music industry, highlighting his positive relationships with fellow artists, including Khuli Chana and Burna Boy, who both acknowledged the day.
Nigerian artist Burna Boy had a rocky relationship with AKA; they went from collaborators to foes after clashing on X, with Burna Boy even threatening AKA.
Taking to his Instagram stories, Burna Boy revealed that they ended up squashing their beef but expressed his regret that he would never see AKA again.
“We fell out over bul*$*t even though we squashed it over twitter dm’s nobody knew about, we never really got a chance to link up and do what we were supposed to do, I will regret that till I see you again, until then R.I.P Mega.”
South African rapper Khuli Chana paid tribute in a video, saying, “Long live Super Mega long live! Happy Birthday from heaven. Thank you for the impact you made in my life. Thank you for pouring in so much life, energy, creativity, and love. You were so loved about it, and I will mourn you until I join you.”
In honour of his birthday, South African music channels, including Channel O, MTV Base, and HeartFM 104.9, played his songs.
The hip-hop legend cemented his position as one of South Africa’s all-time best-selling artists. He was celebrated for his English-rapping flow and a catalogue of massive, chart-topping hits, including “The World Is Yours,” “Baddest,” “Fela in Versace,” “One Time,” and “Dreamwork.”
South Africa will continue to cherish its enduring musical legacy, which lives on long after his passing.
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