South African rapper AKA, best known for his track “Lemons (Lemonade),” has been shot and killed in Durban, South Africa.
According to TshisaLIVE, the beloved artist (real name Kiernan Forbes) was shot dead on Friday evening (February 10) outside a popular restaurant on Florida Rd in Durban. He was 35 years old.
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AKA’s parents confirmed the death of their son in a statement on the rapper’s social media pages.
“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening or February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from Durban police,” his parents wrote.
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“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” the statement continued. “To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return.
“We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
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Police sources told TshisaLIVE that there was another unidentified male victim killed in the shooting. According to IOL, it’s understood the other person is one of AKA’s close friends. Some other reports claim the rapper’s bodyguard was also wounded in the shooting.
ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson told TshisaLIVE they responded to a shooting incident after 10:15pm on Friday.
“On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” he explained. “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.” Police currently don’t have a motive for the shooting.
On the evening of his death, AKA was reportedly due to appear at a Durban night club, YUGO, where he was expected to perform as part of his birthday celebrations. He was born January 28, 1988.
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Born and raised in Cape Town, AKA was one of South Africa’s most celebrated rappers. Known for his hit singles “Fela in Versace,” “All Eyes on Me” and the aforementioned “Lemons (Lemonade),” he was gearing up to release his fourth studio album, Mass Country, later this month.
HipHopDX extends its condolences to the friends and family of AKA.
