The family of Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has confirmed that the release of the late rapper’s latest album will still go ahead, despite his tragic death. AKA and his friend, Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane were shot dead by two unknown gunmen as they were leaving a restaurant in Durban at the weekend. The rapper suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in what was a pre-meditated attack.
The 35-year-old AKA was born in Cape Town as Kiernan Jarryd Forbes – and later solidified himself as Supa Mega or Bhova. He was based in Johannesburg, where he rose to the top of the hip-hop food chain for more than a decade.
Mass Country will be AKA’s fourth album. It follows his debut Altar Ego in 2011, 'Levels' in 2014 and Touch my Blood in 2018. He also dropped a collaborative effort, Be Careful What You Wish For, with South African rapper and producer Anatii in 2017.
These releases earned AKA multiple awards nationally and across the continent, including a South African Music Award for Best Male Artist in 2012. Together, they constitute his undeniable claims to SA hip-hop greatness.
Tributes have been pouring all across Africa in honour of the late rapper whose career spanned over a decade and greatly impacted the South African Hip Hop scene. His upcoming album 'Mass Country' is scheduled for release on February 24th, 2023.
"In the last two years, Mass Country has become AKA’s entire world. The Supa Mega constantly kept the album release momentum and anticipation high," reads a statement released on Thursday.
According to AKA’s long-time friend and business partner, Raphael Benza, the rapper worked hard on his latest music offering as he believed in giving his fans only quality work.
The energy and the expectations from the Megacy fuelled him to make a masterpiece. We are delighted, even at our saddest moment, to share the music he left behind for us for eternity.
Another song off the new album, Company, will be released on Friday, the same day as the memorial service that will be held in the late rapper's memory. The single was recorded in Los Angeles during his January holiday.
A memorial service to honour AKA will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday at 15:00. The rapper will then be laid to rest in a private funeral on Saturday.
