Rapper AKA Biography – Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (born 28 January 1988) known professionally as AKA, is a South African rapper. Born and raised in Cape Town, Forbes rose to prominence after the release of the single “Victory Lap” from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011).
AKA continued its success with the release of studio albums including Levels (2014), Touch My Blood (2018), Bhovamania (2020) and the collaborative album Be Careful What You Wish For with Anatii (2017).
In April 2020, Forbes along with vodka brand Cruz launched a watermelon-flavored drink with his initials on the bottle.
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That same month, he was introduced as a special guest at WWE Live events held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In 2019, rapper AKA was the main character in the Comedy Central Roast special.
Rapper AKA Education, Career
While at her grandmother’s house, AKA attended Holy Cross Convent, Cape Town for primary school. However, he did not complete his studies there until he went to Greenside Primary School.
He attended St. John College and graduated with distinction. However, he did not attend college immediately after leaving high school.
He focused on music for a while before studying sound engineering in college.
While in college, AKA co-founded a second musical group, The IV Collective, with two other members. The band focuses on producing songs for other artists. Notable names they worked with before disbanding were Khuli Chana, ProKid, and JR.
AKA began to rise in the South African music industry after releasing singles such as Mistakes, In My Walk and I Do. However, he eventually won a gold award after recording and releasing his debut album, Alter Ego, in 2011. The songs I Want It All, All I Know and Victory Lap are songs. best on the album and at the top of the country music scene. chart.
Over the next two years, AKA released more singles as they worked on their second album. The project titled Levels was released on June 30, 2014. Notable singles from the album are Kontrol, Jealousy, Congratulate and Run Jozi. Her third album, Touch My Blood, was released to the public in June 2018. The album was commercially successful as it was certified Platinum by RISA before being awarded the Double Platinum label.
AKA released a four-song EP, Bhovamania, on November 6, 2020. The project featured the singles:
Cross My Heart, Python, Relics and Energy.
Rapper AKA Parents
His parents are Parents Tony and Lynn Forbes
Rapper AKA Fiancee/Girlfriend
Rapper AKa was engaged to girlfriend Nelli Tembe in February 2021 until his death in April 2021.
On February 21, 2021, the rapper posted a photo on Instagram announcing his engagement to girlfriend Nelli Tembe. On April 11, 2021, Tembe died after a fall from a hotel in Cape Town.
Following the death of rapper AKA’s fiancée, Nellie Thembe, reports surfaced that he was using drugs. Forbes (AKA) later released a public statement in response that he would not be drawn into exposing their relationship issues in defense of “one-sided opinions.”
The rapper’s statement follows a News24 report, which claims to have seen footage that Forbes can see banging on the wooden door with his hand to get into the bedroom of their Bryanston, Johannesburg apartment, where Tembe is hiding.
The incident is believed to have happened on March 13, 2021, almost a month before his death.
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Rapper AKA Awards And Nominations
Best Collaboration in the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (won)
• Best Male Artist in the 21st South African Music Awards (2014) (won)
• Best African Hip Hop in the 2014 Kora Awards (nominated)
• Best International Act (Africa) in the 2014 BET Awards (nominated)
• Best African Act in the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (nominated)
• Best International Act (Africa) in the 2014 M.O.B.O. Awards
• Best Collaboration in the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (nominated)
• Most Valuable Artist in the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Most Digital Sales in the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Song of the Year in the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
Video of the Year in the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Best Collaboration in the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (won)
• Best Hit Single in the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (won)
• Best Remix in the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (nominated)
• Best Collaboration in the 22nd South African Music Awards (2016) (nominated)
• Best International Act in the BET Awards 2016 (nominated)
• Best International Act in the BET Awards 2017 (nominated)
• Favourite South African Star in the 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards (won)
• Best International Act in the BET Awards 2019 (nominated)
• Pan African Artist of the Year in the Namibia Annual Music Awards 2019 (won)
• Best Male Artist in the 18th South African Music Awards (2012) (won)
Most Gifted Hip Hop in the 2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards (nominated)
• Best Male, Southern Africa in the 2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards (nominated)
• Best Rap Act in the 2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards (nominated)
• Best Hip Hop in the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (nominated)
• Most Gifted Hip Hop in the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards (nominated)
• Best Male Southern Africa in the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards (won)
• Best Collaboration in the 2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards (won)
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Rapper AKA Social Media pages
As one of South Africa’s most popular celebrities, AKA has a huge following on social media. He currently has more than 3 million followers on Instagram and more than 5 million followers on Twitter.
- Instagram handle – @akaworldwide
- Twitter handle – @akaworldwide
Rapper AKA Net Worth
AKA is one of the richest artists on the continent and his net worth is currently estimated in the 20-30 million USD range.
Cause of Rapper AKA’s Death
In February 2002, disturbing news from South Africa revealed that famous rapper and record producer A.K.A, real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, had been shot dead.
The South African Police Department is said to have confirmed the shooting occurred on Durban’s Florida Rd on the evening of Friday 10 February 2023,
According to a witness, A.K.A was shot five times at 8 p.m. and was the only individual target in the incident.
In a report filed by IOL, another person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard was also injured, while another unidentified person believed to be AKA’s close friend was also killed.
Subsequent reports confirmed that the deceased was Tebello Motsoane aka Tibz, AKA’s best friend and former manager.
