Since the news of their passing broke on Friday night, condolences have been pouring in for the families of rapper and father Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his longtime friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane. The two were shot in Durban on Friday night allegedly by two unknown men after they had their supper at a restaurant.
LIFE AFTER NELLI'S DEATH
In April 2019, AKA lost his girlfriend Anele 'Nelli' Tembe who reportedly fell from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel on Loop Street in Cape Town. The Jika rapper had moved on and started dating rapper Nadia Nakai and last year, in November they celebrated a year together. The couple recently returned from a holiday getaway where they travelled to Cincinnati, Ohio in the United States. In a recent interview, AKA spoke about the loss of his girlfriend Nelli and wanting justice. "When she took her own life, she took a part of me with her. That's how God works. Whatever happened, happened. But God is graceful. Now I have got an amazing woman in my life, who picked me up, rebuild me, and re-energised me. I made a lot of mistakes, it's a tragedy. I wish justice for her family and my family. Where's my justice.'
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES
Since the shocking news broke, South Africans have shared their messages of condolences.
Somizi Mhlongo: "Can't sleep. I'm sure u feel the same. It's dark. It's sad. It's devastating. It is heartbreaking. It's bad. It's unbelievable. I'm lost for words. It feels like a really bad dream. I hope to wake up tomorrow and it was all a very bad joke. I'm numb. God pls. Not today. I'm so sorry. Kubi. Kubuhlungu. Never imagined I'd feel this pain and I'm sure I'm not the only one. You don't have to be related to feel this pain. I'm so sorry. Zee. Nakai. Kairo. Mama. Fam. Tibz. Fam. Africa.'
Slikour: "No words, my boy, no words. You became great like you once told me you would & made history. You will be remembered as a champion. Love you and condolences to the family. Thank you for giving us your energy and your care for the music & culture. We going to feel the vacuum.'
Zola Hashatsi: "The absolute fuck, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes famously known as AKA has been allegedly shot 5/6 times and died at famous Florida Road in Durban after a performance. Statements to be released soon. We thank Shiz Niz for letting us bring you talents like him. Please be safe out there and please give the family and team space.'
Johnson Awalle: Tebello" Tibz" Motsoane former cofounder of the clothing brand Head honcho and Showlove Consulting Founder, The man who introduced us to AKA,he also helped shape the South African hip hop scene in his era, focused, intelligent well respected he was. Tragic.'
Jahprayzah: "Never got to cross paths but no one can underplay the influence AKA had on the global music scene representing Africa, we have lost a real one. Rest In Eternal Peace Brother."
Boity Thulo: "For all the monumental moves you have made for our industry, we thank you Gents. Your gift, raw talent & impact inspired and transformed manylives across borders for the better. My heartfelt condolences and prayers foryour families and your loved ones during such a heart wrenching time. May Godcover them with His strength, peace and comfort. May your souls rest in eternalpeace. Rest Easy, Kings.'
Herman Mashaba: " Another South African taken too soon. A father, brother, son, a provider. #RIPAKA you had such a positive impact on so many. You made so many proud to be South African. Crime is the real state of disaster in this country."
Nandi Madida: "Rest my brother, this hurts. Thinking about your beautiful daughter and loved ones in general. Thank you for the good times and laughs. I always enjoyed working with you.'
