Durban – Rapper AKA – whose real name was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes – has been shot dead.
The 35-year-old rapper and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were fatally shot outside the restaurant “Wish” along Florida Road, Durban at about 22:00 on Friday.
ALS Paramedics who attended to the shooting said: “Florida Road has been closed off after a shooting incident, where two people have been confirmed deceased.”
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson added: “One is a famous rapper”.
A second man was found alive with gunshot wounds.
“The second male was found in a critical condition. Advanced Life Support Paramedics worked to stabilise the man on the scene, however, the man’s condition deteriorated, and he was declared deceased on the scene,” Jamieson said.
People outside the restaurant along Durbans “foodie strip”, which has popular night spots, were heard saying “AKA has been shot at from a car that sped off”.
The award-winning rapper had been billed to perform at Yugon nightclub Friday night, but his life was cruelly cut short.
His Parents Tony and Lynn Forbes have released a statement confirming their son’s passing and have asked for privacy in this difficult time.
Police and other emergency responders were on the scene within minutes of the shooting, but no arrests have been reported.
Police at the scene said the rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting by unknown assailants while he was standing outside the Wish restaurant.
Joining family, friends, and fans in mourning the passing of AKA, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport Arts Culture Amanda Bani-Mapena said it was with “shock and sadness” to learn of the cold-blooded murder.
“The attacks and killing of music artists are often unheard of and the news we have just received are not only shocking but infuriating,” said Bani-Mapena.
“The tragic killing, no matter the motivation, has not only deprived AKA’s family but it has put paid to one of the scintillatingly successful artistic stories in South Africa,
“Africa and the entire world. AKA was a household name globally.”
AKA turned 35 on the 28th of January and his Durban tour was part of the continuation of his birthday celebration ahead of the anticipated release of his Mass Country album.
The album was scheduled for release on 24 February.
The rapper had also been expected to make an appearance at the upcoming “Durban All White Concert”.
“We refuse to be defined as a province that does not recognise the value of human life. We cannot have artists’ lives taken in such an inhumane matter,” said Bani-Mapena.
“This has left us distraught and bereft. We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We send heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, fans and industry colleagues.”
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