Rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as Aka was shot dead outside a restaurant on Florida Rd in Stamford Hill in Durban on Friday.
The South African was just 35.
AKA was set to perform as part of his 35th birthday celebrations before getting shot and killed in a drive-by shooting. Two unidentified cars are believed to have started firing just before 10 pm.
The ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson detailed the post incident scenes, “On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male had sustained multiple gun shot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.”
The motive behind the murder remains unclear. Metro police arrived at the scene right after receiving information and closed the road to facilitate the investigation.
AKA’s family reacts
The rapper’s family made a statement confirming their beloved’s death. The statement read, “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing. Our son was loved and gave love in return. In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days,”
South African politician Amanda Bani-Mapena condemned the violent act. “We cannot have artists lives taken in such an inhumane manner. This left us distraught and bereft. We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We send heartfelt condolences to his family, fans and industry colleagues,” She said.
AKA, one of the best rappers South Africa has ever seen, has produced and written numerous hits like Fela In Versace, Baddest and more.
The rapper, who was in relationship with Nadia Nakia, shares a daughter, Kairo with DJ Zinhle.