Rapper AKA biography, true name, age, reason for death & wealth.
AKA was among South Africa’s premier rappers. He is a composer, music creator, and an exceptional businessperson along with his rapping. The musician pens and unveils tracks with emotive, profound, polished, and fluid lyrics. Victory Lap marked AKA’s inaugural hit single in 2010.
AKA has teamed up on tracks with Burna Boy, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and Kanye West. Numerous individuals are eager to learn about AKA’s true name. Kiernan Jarryd Forbes is the name given at birth. Following his fiancé’s heartbreaking passing last year, the rapper emerged as a viral sensation for several months.
Rapper AKA Biography & Profile Overview
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (born January 28, 1988) is a prominent name in the African music realm.
He is a 35-year-old rapper, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from South Africa known in the industry as AKA.
He gained recognition after the launch of his highly regarded single, Victory Lap. The song, featured on AKA’s debut album, Altar Ego, thrust him into the national limelight and earned him global acclaim.
Over time, he has produced chart-topping albums like Levels, Touch My Blood, and Be Careful What You Wish For.
| Full Name | Kiernan Jarryd Forbes |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 28 January 1988 (32 years old) |
| Gender | Male |
| Girlfriend | Nelli Tembe |
| Occupation | Musician, Rapper |
| Nickname | AKA |
| Nationality | South African |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
Rapper AKA Childhood
AKA was born to Mr. Tony Forbes and Mrs. Lynn Forbes on January 28, 1988. A millennial, Kiernan entered the world in Cape Town, South Africa.
He spent his early years in his parents’ home before relocating to live with his grandmother after their separation. His grandmother lived in a small house in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. As he matured, he left his grandmother’s residence and moved in with his mother, who resided in Johannesburg.
AKA found his passion for music as a teenager, influenced by rap tracks from American musicians. This inspired him to start crafting rap lyrics whenever he returned from school.
During this phase, he formed the hip-hop group, Entity with friends Vice Versa and Greyhound. The group lingered for a few years before disbanding in 2006.
Rapper AKA Education
While living with his grandmother, AKA attended Holy Cross Convent in Cape Town for his primary education. However, he didn’t finish his studies there before moving on to Greenside Primary School.
He attended St. John College for his secondary education and graduated with outstanding results. However, he did not pursue a university degree immediately after high school.
He dedicated some time to music before enrolling in Sound Engineering at the university.
Rapper AKA Cause of Death
The rapper arrived in Durban from Johannesburg on February 10 for his birthday celebration, which was intended to occur at Yugo Nightclub.
AKA promoted the event on his social media accounts, encouraging fans to attend. Before his assassination, AKA visited a seafood restaurant on Florida road with friends and his bodyguard.
He shared his location on his Instagram account. After dining, he stepped out of the restaurant and was shot six times.
Witnesses report it was a drive-by shooting, while others suggested an individual approached him and opened fire.
In the meantime, a friend who was with him was killed, and his bodyguard sustained injuries in the gunfire.
Rapper AKA Career
While at the university, AKA co-established a second music collective, The IV Collective, with two other members. The collective concentrated on producing music for various artists. Some notable collaborations before their dissolution included Khuli Chana, ProKid, and JR.
AKA began climbing the ladder of the South African music scene following the release of singles like Mistakes, In My Walk, and I Do. However, he ultimately achieved great success with the launch of his debut album, Alter Ego, in 2011. The tracks I Want It All, All I Know, and Victory Lap ranked as the album’s standout songs and dominated the music charts nationally.
Now a prominent figure in music fandom, he began receiving offers to collaborate with other performers and appear at top events nationwide. The debut album opened doors for AKA, leading to multiple award nominations and victories. Additionally, due to the significant sales across the nation, Alter Ego attained gold certification by RISA.
The next two years saw AKA release more singles as he worked on his second album. The project titled Levels launched on June 30, 2014. Significant singles from this album include Kontrol, Jealousy, Congratulate, and Run Jozi. His third album, Touch My Blood, was made public in June 2018, achieving commercial success and receiving platinum certification by RISA before being awarded the double platinum status.
AKA released a four-track EP, Bhovamania, on November 6, 2020. The project features singles: Cross My Heart, Python, Monuments, and Energy.
Rapper AKA Awards And Nominations
AKA has received nominations for numerous awards, including:
• Best Collaboration at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (won)
• Best Male Artist at the 21st South African Music Awards (2014) (won)
• Best African Hip Hop at the 2014 Kora Awards (nominated)
• Best International Act (Africa) at the 2014 BET Awards (nominated)
• Best African Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (nominated)
• Best International Act (Africa) at the 2014 M.O.B.O. Awards
• Best Collaboration at the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (nominated)
• Most Valuable Artist at the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Most Digital Sales at the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Song of the Year at the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Video of the Year at the 4th South African Hip Hop Awards (2015) (won)
• Best Collaboration at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (won)
• Best Hit Single at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (won)
• Best Remix at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards (2016) (nominated)
• Best Collaboration at the 22nd South African Music Awards (2016) (nominated)
• Best International Act at the BET Awards 2016 (nominated)
• Best International Act at the BET Awards 2017 (nominated)
• Favourite South African Star at the 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards (won)
• Best International Act at the BET Awards 2019 (nominated)
• Pan African Artist of the Year at the Namibia Annual Music Awards 2019 (won)
• Best Male Artist at the 18th South African Music Awards (2012) (won)
• Most Gifted Hip Hop at 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)
Rapper AKA Discography
- Bhovamania
- Touch My Blood
- Be Careful What You Wish For
- Levels
- Alter Ego
- Victory Lap
- I Want It All
Social Media
As one of the most prominent South African stars, AKA has a significant following on social platforms. He currently boasts over 3 million followers on Instagram and exceeds 5 million followers on Twitter.
- Instagram handle – @akaworldwide
- Twitter handle – @akaworldwide
Rapper AKA Personal Life
Possessing attractive facial features and a toned physique, he is adored by female music enthusiasts across the nation. The 35-year-old AKA was a single father residing in Johannesburg.
He previously shared a long-term relationship with DJ Zinhle, the mother of his daughter, Kairo Owethu Forbes. Their relationship ended due to irreconcilable differences. Nonetheless, they continue to maintain a friendship and collaborate to be exemplary parents to their daughter.
In early 2021, AKA proposed to his girlfriend, Nelli Tembe, who accepted his engagement. The couple was engaged for four months before Nelli Tembe tragically passed away after falling from a hotel in Cape Town.
AKA was single, grappling with the sorrow of losing his beloved fiancée.
Rapper AKA Net Worth
AKA is among the richest musicians on the continent, with his net worth currently estimated to be between $20 million and $30 million.
5 surprising facts
- Forbes participated in WWE live events in Johannesburg and Cape Town as well.
- In April 2020, Forbes partnered with the vodka brand Cruz to create a watermelon-flavored drink featuring his initials.
- Despite this, Forbes agreed to be roasted in a Comedy Central special.
- As a child, Forbes moved in with his grandmother following his parents’ divorce.
- Forbes attended St. John’s College, graduated with honors, and subsequently studied sound engineering.
How old is AKA?
AKA, a South African rapper whose full name was Kiernan Forbes, passed away on Friday at the age of 35.
When was AKA born?
28 January 1988.
Where is AKA originally from?
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa.
