MEDIA STATEMENT

Attention: All News Editors and Journalists

Date: 11 February 2023
THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF
ARTIST AND RAPPER, KIERNEN FORBES (AKA)

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has learned with shock of the passing of iconic South
African rapper, Kiernen Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, who passed away following a
fatal shooting in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, on the evening of 10 February 2023. He was 35 years
old.

AKA was counted amongst the best rappers on the continent. He was also a songwriter, music
producer an entrepreneur. Between the years 2010-2012 AKA was catapulted into stardom, after
the release of his debut album, ‘Altar Ego’ in 2011, which features hits such as ‘I Want It All’, ‘All
I Know’ and the smash hit single ‘Victory Lap’.

‘Altar Ego’ received numerous accolades such as Best Hip Hop Album and Best Produced Album
at the 2011 Metro FM Music Awards. The album was further awarded the Best Street Urban Music
Album and AKA won Male Artist of the Year at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in 2012.
The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). He went on to
release several successful albums thereafter such as ‘Levels’, ‘Touch my Blood’ and
‘Bhovamania’.

AKA was known as one of the most patriotic artists who literally flew the South African flag high
everywhere he went around the globe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends,
industry peers and fans throughout the continent. Rest in peace SUPA MEGA.

Media enquiries:

Masechaba Khumalo: Spokesperson (Minister) | Tel: 082 858 4415 | Email:

MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za

Zimasa Velaphi: Chief Director Comms and Marketing | Tel: 072 172 8925 | Email:
MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS AND

CULTURE