The nation is still in disbelief and mourning the tragic and untimely passing of rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his former manager Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane who were shot outside a Durban restaurant on the evening of 10 February 2023. The Forbes family has acknowledged the outpouring of support and love from South Africa and beyond and announced that they will continue to celebrate AKA's life through music.
CONTINUING WITH HIS LEGACY
The Forbes family will continue with the planned release of the AKA's album Mass Country on 24 February 2023. The family said in a statement that in the last two years, Mass Country has become AKA's entire world. "The Supa Mega constantly kept the album release momentum and anticipation high. Co-Executive Producer of Mass Country and manager Nivo says, "The team was extremely blessed to work so closely on this project with Kiernan. We spent a lot of time mapping out this roll-out and creating all the content we have under his direction. Kiernan worked tremendously hard on this project." He adds that AKA put his heart and soul into the project, and we are blessed that he got the opportunity to map out this entire roll-out and approve all the elements, so what will be coming out will be as per his direction and his vision. "We thank the Forbes family for their faith in the entire team working on this project."
THE PARTNERS
AKA's Team @Vth Season, The T Effect, and Sony Music Entertainment Africa will manage the release of Mass Country, with the support and blessings of the family, and celebrate him through his gift of music. Managing Director at Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Sean Watson says, "Our hearts are broken. We've lost not only an icon but someone who was dear to us as a member of the Sony family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as we all traverse this difficult time of mourning the loss of a dearly beloved and respected artist. "
BROKEN HEARTS
Raphael Benza who is a long-time friend to AKA, Advisor, and Business Partner @Vth Season's says, "Kiernan worked very hard on this project. The energy and the expectations from the Megacy fuelled him to make a masterpiece," he says. "We are delighted, even at our saddest moment, to share the music he left behind for us for eternity?Long Live, Supa Mega, Live Long!! The world will never forget AKA and that's a promise."
As per AKA's wishes, the next single release will be Company alongside long-time collaborator and friend Kiddominant who worked with AKA on the song Fela in Versace. Scheduled for release this Friday, the 17th of February, the single was recorded in Los Angeles during his January holiday.
