Famous South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, also known as AKA, has been shot and killed in Durban, South Africa.
Reports indicate that AKA was the target of a drive-by shooting that took place outside the Wish Restaurant on Florida Road.
A South African news outlet, iOL News, also said another person, believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, was also wounded. Another unidentified person, understood as a close friend of AKA was also shot dead.
AKA’s family also confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday morning.
In a statement published on his Instagram page, the parents of the rapper, Tony and Lynn Forbes on behalf of the family, said: “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.”
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” his parents wrote.
“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.”
Two unknown cars are believed to have opened fire just before 10 p.m.
According to social media posts, AKA was due to perform at a Durban nightclub, YUGO, where he was expected to perform as part of his birthday celebrations.
His close friends and colleagues have taken to social media to express shock.
Police had cordoned off the area when an IOL team arrived Friday night.
Speaking to IOL, stunned patrons at a nearby restaurant said AKA had been standing outside Wish when he was gunned down.
Garrith Jamieson, a spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said Florida Road had been closed off after the shooting incident Florida Road where two people have been confirmed deceased
Jamieson said amongst the deceased was a “famous rapper”.
AKA gained recognition after releasing his single “Victory Lap” from his debut studio album, Altar Ego, in 2010.
In April 2021, his fiancee, Anele Tembe, fell to her death from the 10th floor of the five-star Pepperclub Hotel in central Cape Town, South Africa.
AKA’s last social media post, hours before he was fatally killed, confirmed the release date of his long-awaited “Mass Country” album, billed for 24 February 2023.