It was a sombre afternoon at Rockets Lolitas in Bryanston in Johannesburg with the sun beaming down as the Forbes family walked in heads bowed down to announce the funeral details of rapper Kiernan "AKA' Forbes. AKA was murdered in Durban last week Friday alongside his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane. The Forbes family, father Tony, mother Lynn, and brother Steffan were accompanied by grieving girlfriend Nadia Nakai with close friends and business associates for a media briefing. 

SHOWING GRATITUDE

Struggling to string words together, Tony thanked everyone for their attendance and for showing support during this difficult time. "We as the Forbes family would like to acknowledge the outpouring of love we have received since Kiernan's passing on Friday evening. The outpouring of love extended to both the Forbes and Reed families has comforted us greatly,' Tony said. "Kiernan wasn't just loved by us as a family, his talent shone through and it created its own community, the Legacy, which extends to the nation at large.'

FINDING COMFORT

As Tony continued to speak, Nadia comforted Lynn who could not hold back the tears. Tony went on to say, "His close friends who have been by his side throughout his life, have also been by our side from the moment he passed away. His industry colleagues and business associates have extended themselves beyond our expectations. We thank his wonderful neighbours who have comforted and accommodated us during this time. This shows us our son was truly loved by you all.' In addition to the briefing, the family shared in a statement, "We also thank you, the media, for the dignity in which you have captured our son in the last few days, and we thank you for respecting our request for space and time,' the statement read. "We are aware of the various statements that have been made in the media, most importantly the NPA's declaration, which we have been aware of since last June. Our focus right now is to celebrate our son and give him a dignified send-off with no distractions.'

WELL WISHES TO TIBZ'S FAMILY

The Forbes also wished the family of the AKA' friend Tebbelo Tibz Motsoane  well. "As a family, we extend our condolences to the Motsoane family for the loss of their son. Tebello was a brother to Kiernan and played a key role in laying the foundation for what we now know and celebrate as brand AKA. We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing,' the statement adds. "We also extend our love and support to the friends who were with Kiernan in his last moments in Durban ?" we feel their trauma and pain as well. Our home and family will always be open to them. We do not condone what has been said about his friends and those making such dangerous statements should cease from doing so, immediately.' The family thanked the support from the community of Durban. "Also, we thank his Durban-based friends who welcomed and accommodated myself and Steffan, as well as his manager, Nivo. Making the painful process easier with their support. We also thank the Durban SAPS, the Phoenix Mortuary staff as well as the government officials who assisted us on the day. A special thank you to Rudolph Baloyi who ensured that the necessary processes were properly and speedily attended to.' The Forbes family also said they wish to celebrate AKA's well-lived life. "It is our wish to celebrate the life of Kiernan with those he touched and impacted through his gift of music and his influence on society, particularly the youth.'

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the family announced the funeral details are as follows: "Kiernan will be laid to rest in a private provincial funeral on Saturday, 18 February 2023." His memorial service will take place on Friday, 17 February at the Sandton Convention Centre at 3PM. The memorial service will also be live streamed on his AKAworldwide YouTube channel.