Today, Monday 1o February, is exactly two years since multi award-winning rapper AKA and close friend, chef and entrepreneur Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane were assassinated in the coastal city of Durban. AKA, real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, had worked with Motsoane, who was his manager, until he branched into business.

A TRUE GENTLEMAN

On social media Motsoane, was described on social media as "a true gentleman" by those close to him. While the country mourned the death of the two friends, AKA's family reminded his fans who their son was. 

At the time of his death, his family wrote on social media: "To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo.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."

Police revealed that AKA's death was the result of an organised hit.They said the person who orchestrated the murder followed AKA from King Shaka International Airport in Durban to his hotel.

In their investigations, the police said four vehicles, two gunmen, two stalkers and a weapons dealer all contributed to the death of AKA and Motsoane.

Five suspects - Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande - will appear at the Durban High Court on 8 May to face charges of the murder of Motsoane and AKA. 

The suspects face at least 11 charges including, murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and five counts of attempted murder. The state has added two charges of money laundering.

Two other suspects - Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande - are still in the Kingdom of eSwatini, where they are fighting extradition since they also face the same charges as the five suspects

MANY DESERVING ACCOLADES

AKA was born in Cape Town and raised in Joburg. When he was still an unknown rapper, he worked with many artists like the late rapper, ProKid. AKA eventually gained the recognition he needed when he released the single Victory Lap from his debut studio album, Altar Ego, in 2011. 

From then on, he was on an upward trajectory as he won many awards and also gained international recognition. 

The entertainer, who died at 35, received several nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.

Ironically, hours before his death, AKA posted on social media about his upcoming album, Mass Country, which was set for release before the end of February, 2023. When the South African Music Awards (SAMA) organisers announced the nominations 3 October 2023, AKA's posthumous album Mass Country received seven nominations. Mass Country did not disappoint either at the SAMAs as it scooped the Male Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration, where AKA featured Nasty C on the track Lemons (Lemonade). The album also won the Best Engineered Album (Engineered & Produced by Robin Kohl and Itu).