Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), known professionally as AKA, was a celebrated South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, AKA rose to fame with his hit single “Victory Lap” from his debut album Altar Ego (2011). He became one of the most popular and best-selling South African hip hop artists, known for albums like Levels (2014), Be Careful What You Wish For (2017), Touch My Blood (2018), and Mass Country (2023).
AKA
AKA formed the hip hop group Entity in 2002, which earned a KORA Award nomination. After the group disbanded, he co-founded the production collective The I.V League. His solo career took off with Altar Ego, which earned several accolades. He continued his success with Levels, achieving platinum status and critical acclaim.
He released several other successful projects, including the EP Bhovamania and his final album, Mass Country. In addition to his music career, AKA was a special guest at WWE Live events and launched a watermelon-flavored vodka with Cruz.
AKA’s personal life was marked by high-profile relationships, including with DJ Zinhle and Bonang Matheba. He faced tragedy when his fiancée, Nelli Tembe, died in 2021.
On 10 February 2023, AKA was tragically shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban. He was 35 years old. His legacy lives on through his music and the impact he made on South African hip hop.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Altar Ego (2011)
- Levels (2014)
- Touch My Blood (2018)
- Mass Country (2023)
Collaborative Albums
- Be Careful What You Wish For (with Anatii) (2017)
- You’re Welcome (with Costa Titch) (2021)
Extended Plays
- 24/7/366 EP (2009)
- Bhovamania (2020)
Notable Singles
- “I Want It All” (2010)
- “Victory Lap” (2011)
- “Jealousy” (2014)
- “Kontrol” (featuring Da L.E.S) (2014)
- “Run Jozi (Godly)” (featuring KO and Yanga) (2014)
- “The World is Yours” (2016)
- “Caiphus Song” (2016)
- “Star Signs” (featuring Stogie T) (2018)
- “Sweet Fire” (2018)
- “Fela in Versace” (featuring Kiddominant) (2018)
- “Energy” (2020)
- “Cross My Heart” (2020)
- “Lemons (Lemonade)” (featuring Nasty C) (2022)
Awards and Nominations
- 2012 – Best Male Artist, South African Music Awards for Altar Ego
- 2015 – Best Male Southern Africa, African Muzik Magazine Awards
- 2019 – Favourite South African Star, Kids’ Choice Awards
- 2020 – Music Video of the Year, South African Music Awards for “Jika” ft. Yanga Chief
- 2023 – Best Male Artist, South African Music Awards for Mass Country
Awards and Nominations
South African Music Awards (SAMA)
- 2012: Best Male Artist – Altar Ego (Won)
- 2015: Best Male Artist – Levels (Won)
- 2020: Music Video of the Year – “Jika” ft. Yanga Chief (Won)
- 2023: Best Male Artist – Mass Country (Won)
- 2023: Album of the Year – Mass Country (Nominated)
- 2023: Best Engineered Album – Mass Country (Won)
- 2023: Best Collaboration – “Lemons (Lemonade)” ft. Nasty C (Won)
- 2023: Best Collaboration – “Company” ft. Kiddo (Nominated)
- 2023: Best Produced Music Video – “Lemons (Lemonade)” (Nominated)
- 2023: Best Hip Hop Album – Mass Country (Nominated)
Metro FM Music Awards
- 2016: Best Collaboration – “Baddest” ft. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana, and Yanga (Won)
- 2016: Best Hit Single – “Baddest” ft. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana, and Yanga (Won)
- 2016: Best Remix – “Baddest Remix” ft. Fifi Cooper, Rouge, Moozlie, and Gigi Lamayne (Nominated)
- 2023: Best Hip Hop Artist – Mass Country (Won)
African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA)
- 2014: Best Male Southern Africa (Nominated)
- 2014: Best Rap Act (Nominated)
- 2015: Best Male Southern Africa (Won)
- 2015: Best Collaboration (Won)
MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA)
- 2014: Best Hip Hop (Nominated)
- 2015: Best Collaboration (Won)
- 2016: Best International Act (Nominated)
- 2017: Best International Act (Nominated)
- 2021: Best Lockdown Performance (Nominated)
BET Awards
- 2015: Best International Act (Africa) (Nominated)
- 2016: Best International Act (Africa) (Nominated)
- 2017: Best International Act (Nominated)
- 2019: Best International Act (Nominated)
Channel O Africa Music Video Awards
- 2013: Most Gifted Hip Hop (Nominated)
- 2014: Most Gifted Hip Hop (Nominated)
Namibia Annual Music Awards
- 2019: Pan African Artist of the Year (Won)
Kids’ Choice Awards
- 2019: Favourite South African Star (Won)
Content Creator Awards
- 2023: Song of the Year – “Company” ft. Kiddo (Nominated)
- 2023: Song of the Year – “Lemons (Lemonade)” ft. Nasty C (Won)
Other Recognitions
- Kora Awards: Best African Hip Hop (Nominated)
- M.O.B.O. Awards: Best International Act (Africa) (Nominated)
- South African Hip Hop Awards: Multiple wins and nominations including Most Valuable Artist and Song of the Year.
