S.A mourns hip-hop icon AKA whilst speculations of Retaliation killing surface

Kiernan Forbes, a well-known South African rap artist better known by his stage name AKA, was shot and killed on February 10, 2023, outside a restaurant in Durban. The 35-year-old artist had previously won multiple awards in South Africa and was once nominated for an MTV Europe music award.

According to those present at the scene, he was walking to his car with his friend, the chef and entrepreneur Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, when they were shot. 

The two men were thought to have been on their way to a nightclub to celebrate Forbes' birthday with a performance.

Forbes' parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, expressed their extreme sadness in a statement posted on AKA's Twitter account. 

"To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo," they 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."

Blogger Slik Talk Alleges That AKA banned from Durban

While the police continue their investigation, many online have speculated about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Blogger Slik Talk has released a video alleging that AKA had been banned from Durban and warned several times after the death of his fiancée, Anele Tembe. He seemed to suggest in the video titled, "AKA caught slipping in Durban" that this was a revenge killing.

 However, these claims have yet to be verified.

People Are Asking "Who killed AKA?"

Online speculation suggests that Forbes' killing may have been a retaliatory attack by individuals connected toAnele "Nelli" Tembe, who allegedly committed suicide in 2021. However, Forbes denied allegations of abuse in his relationship with Tembe in an interview with Thembi Mrototo in the same year.

Nelli Tembe was from Durban & AKA got Gunned Down In Durban so Let me give you guys space to put 1 & 1 together #AKA #RIPAka Mega #SuperMega @AdvoBarryRoux pic.twitter.com/OZ0mHUXI3g

— Bati🇿🇦 (@Tizo_Bati) February 10, 2023

Nelli's father Moses Tembe comments on AKA Death

In a statement released on Saturday, Moses Tembe, the father of Anele “Nelli” Tembe, who was the late girlfriend of slain rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, expressed his profound shock and pain at the news of Forbes' brutal murder.

Tembe, a prominent businessman, expressed his deepest sympathies, saying that he felt "deep pain" as a parent for Forbes' parents Tony and Lynn, his daughter Kairo, and the extended family.

Tembe went on to describe Forbes as an extraordinarily talented musician whose music contributed meaningfully to South Africa's rich musical tapestry. He extended his condolences to Forbes' family and fans.

“Kiernan was an extraordinarily talented musician. His music contributed meaningfully to South Africa’s rich musical tapestry. We extend our condolences to his extended family his fans.”

Finally, Tembe appealed to the public for compassion and to give the family the space, time, and respect they need to grieve on all platforms.

It officially remains unclear whether her death is related to his. Durban has a history of violence, and CCTV footage of Forbes' shooting showed the killer directly targeting him at close range.

Could inkabi have been involved in AKA killing?

In a recent confession, an inkabi revealed how they operate and how they get paid at least R40,000 to kill targets. Inkabis are typically paid to eliminate people involved in taxi wars, life insurance claims, and other conflicts. They may be hired by rogue police officers, business people, politicians, or gang members.

It would be unfair to attribute Forbes' death to the family or associates of Anele without valid or verified evidence, and such accusations may cause further emotional distress to her loved ones. Our hope is that justice will be served for both Kiernan Forbes (AKA) and Anele "Nelli" Tembe.