Award-winning rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has been shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on Florida Road on Friday night, police sources have confirmed.
It is understood that AKA was standing outside the Wish Restaurant when he was gunned down. Two unknown cars are believed to have opened fire just before 10pm.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a "well-known rapper" was gunned down in Florida Road, Durban on Friday evening just after 22:00. "I can confirm that two men were killed and one of them is a well-known rapper. Police will not be releasing any names of the victims yet until a full investigation is completed" Netshiunda said, reports News24.
According to IOL, another person believed to be AKA's bodyguard was also wounded, while Tebello Motsoane, known as Tibz, a close friend, an acclaimed culinary connoisseur and entrepreneur, and a former manager of AKA, was also shot dead.
AKA was due to perform at a Durban nightclub, YUGO, where he was expected to perform as part of his birthday celebrations. The event has since been canceled.
The popular rapper rose to fame in 2009. He has produced and written many hit songs including Fela In Versace, Jealousy, Baddest, Kontrol, 10 Fingers, Don't Forget To Pray, Jika, and The World is Yours.
His parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes have expressed their "extreme sadness" at the loss of their son. In a statement, "Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief, we appeal for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days. To many, he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA, and many other names. But to them, he was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes - a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and most importantly, a father to his daughter Kairo. "We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord," the parents added.
The rapper has previously dated two powerhouses of South African entertainment. He was in a relationship and had a child, Kairo, with DJ Zinhle. He has also dated Bonang Matheba. He was currently in a relationship with Nadia Nakai.
He was 35.
This is a developing story.
