How did Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes die? 'Fela in Versace' rapper dead at 35
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA: Rapper Kiernan Forbes, 35, was reportedly shot dead outside a prominent restaurant shortly after 10 pm, in South Africa on Friday, February 10. Forbes, whose stage name was AKA, was best known for his songs 'Lemons' and 'Fela In Versace'. The rapper's family issued a message on his official Twitter account, condoling his death. "It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son," the statement read.
The statement went added, “To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, and most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo. To many, he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA, and the many other names of affection his leagues of fans called him by. 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. 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.”
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How did Kiernan Forbes die?
Police revealed that a 35-year-old man and an unidentified 34-year-old man were shot dead outside a prominent restaurant on Florida Road in the Durban region, with AKA having uploaded a photo of his dinner from the same establishment. According to authorities, the reason for the shooting is still unknown, per BBC.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda reportedly said, “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 investigatin is completed,” per News24.
Two men were reportedly walking to their car after leaving the restaurant when they were approached by "two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range," the statement reads. The suspects are said to have fled the scene on foot, and police have confirmed that they are looking into two counts of murder.
Meanwhile, the tragic news comes after it was revealed that AKA was scheduled to perform at a nightclub in the South African city of Durban on the same night, and he had posted footage of himself rehearsing for the concert on Instagram just hours before his death.
Fans’ reactions
Fans were devastated by the news AKA's death, and flooded social media with their tributes and condolences. A person wrote, “Sad day for African hip-hop. Love and light to all those he left behind.” “My heartfelt condolences to AKA’s loved ones, Kairo, and fans. This feels surreal, a massive loss for SA,” another added.
Sad day for African hiphop . Love and light to all those he left behind 🫶🏾
— OSHOMAH (@JohnNetworQ) February 11, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to AKA’s loved ones, Kairo, and fans. This feels surreal, a massive loss for SA 💔🕊️ #RIPAKA
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) February 11, 2023
Someone wrote, “AKA and Tibz didn’t deserve to die like this. Thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and fans. They were both so young.” “This is really heartbreaking,” yet another user remarked.
AKA and Tibz didn’t deserve to die like this. Thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and fans. They were both so young. 💔
— Rasaad Adams (@RasaadAdams) February 11, 2023
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