AKA

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), known professionally as AKA, was a South African rapper, record producer, and businessman.

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born in Cape Town, South Africa 28 January 1988 into a Christian family.

He is the eldest of two boys he is the older brother of Steffan Forbes.

He moved to Johannesburg at a young age and attended St John's College.

In 2002, Forbes, alongside his two friends Vice Versa and Greyhound Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, formed a hip hop group called Entity.

The group received a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category.

Entity disbanded in 2006 and Forbes went on to study sound engineering.

In 2006, Forbes co-founded the production collective The I.V League alongside two other members.

The I.V League made production credits for several artists, including Khuli Chana, ProKid and JR.

In 2009, he released three singles: "In My Walk", "I Do", and "My Mistakes killed me".

On 28 July 2010, Forbes released "I Want It All", which is the lead single from his debut studio album, Altar Ego.

The album also pre-released two singles which were "All I Know" and "Victory Lap".

"Victory Lap" was successful as it topped South African local radio charts.

Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, Forbes gained recognition after releasing his single "Victory Lap" from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011).

He was one of the most popular South African musicians of his era and the best-selling South African hip hop artist of all-time.

Alter Ego was then released on 23 August 2011.

The album was certified gold by RiSA for its commercial success.

The album won several accolades, including the 2011 Metro FM Awards for Best Hip Hop Album.

Forbes won Best Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 South African Music Awards.

Forbes continued his success by releasing studio albums including Levels (2014), a collaborative album with Anatii titled Be Careful What You Wish For (2017), Touch My Blood (2018) and his final album, Mass Country (2023).

Forbes released his second album, titled Levels, on 30 June 2014.

The album was supported by four singles: "Jealousy", "Kontrol" (featuring Da L.E.S), "Congratulate" and "Run Jozi (Godly)" which features KO and Yanga.

The album was certified platinum in 2014, and double platinum in 2018 by RiSA.

This album gave Forbes the unique distinction of being the first South African rapper to go platinum with an album mainly recorded in English

On 2 December 2016, Forbes released the lead single "The World is Yours" from his third studio album.

With the delay of its release, Forbes collaborated with associated act Anatii in composing the album, Be Careful What You Wish For.

With the pre-release of "The World is Yours" in 2016, Forbes also pre-released songs including "Caiphus Song", "Star Signs" (featuring Stogie T) and "Sweet Fire" in supporting the release of his third album, Touch My Blood.

Concerning the album's front cover, Forbes took to Twitter to announce a contest for graphic designers to design the artwork for his album, using his clear face portrait.

As numerous entries were sent, Forbes chose the winner named Taonga, who received an internship with Beam Group.

Fifteen days before its release, he released the controversial single "Beyonce" which was a dismissive song dedicated to his past partner Bonang Matheba.

The album was released on 28 July 2017, with a positive response from critics.

It was supported by three singles: "10 Fingers", "Don't Forget To Pray" and "Holy Mountain".

In April 2018, Forbes was featured as a special guest on WWE Live events, which were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

On 10 February 2023, Forbes was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban.

Touch My Blood was then released on 15 June 2018 as it was set to release on 25 May 2018 but then delayed for taking time in building its promotion.

On 8 April 2018, Forbes was featured on a WWE live event in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

The album was certified platinum then later certified double platinum by RiSA as for 2019.

Touch My Blood's sixth single "Fela in Versace" featuring Kiddominant received higher commercial success compared to the other singles.

The album features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including L-Tido, JR, Yanga Chief, Stogie T, Kwesta and Okmalumkoolkat, as well as Nigerian artist and producer Kiddominant.

In February 2019, he was the featured roastee in Comedy Central SA annual roast special.