In a brutal incident that has shocked hip hop fans all around the world, popular South African rapper AKA was shot dead today outside a restaurant. His friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, a well-known entrepreneur and chef, was also with him at the moment and sadly lost his life as well. The assailants fled the scene within moments of the tragic murders, and the police have confirmed they are hot in pursuit.
Who is AKA?
Kiernan Forbes is the real name of AKA. He was one of the most celebrated rappers in South Africa, starting out as a member of the band Entity before embarking on a solo career. Forbes soon won the hearts of music lovers across the continent with his style, winning several awards in South Africa. The rapper also went global with many nominations for a Black Entertainment Television Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.
A Bleak Tragedy
AKA was about to sing at a concert in Durban when the assailants approached him outside the restaurant. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesperson, told reporters that the murderers fled the scene on foot. The police are tracking them as of now.
Nobody can attach an ulterior motive as of now. There is a possibility that this may well be the result of a hit. But it could also be a burglary or even kidnapping gone wrong. It is difficult to assign a cause just yet.
The 35-year-old singer had also posted about his upcoming album Mass Country on social media a mere hours before the incident. It was slated for release later this month.
Survives in Memories
Legions of fans have poured in with tributes and expressions of grief at this highly gruesome incident. Forbes’ parents hailed him as a “son, grandson, nephew, cousin and most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo.” Fans remember him as a man who charmed their hearts and gave a lot of love in return.
Fans also remember Motsoane, who also worked as AKA’s manager in the initial days of his career, as a true gentleman and a loyal friend. His murder is equally regrettable.
The world of hip-hop is no stranger to such drive-by shootings and revenge murders. Tupac Shakur became a victim of one such shooting in 1996. The death of his rival, The Notorious B.I.G. came just a mere six months later. Speculations of his involvement in Tupac’s murder abounded.
Gun Violence in South Africa
South Africa has one of the most violent track records in the world. The number of crimes committed involving a firearm keep rising every day. Gun Free South Africa, a charitable organization, estimates that guns kill around 30 people every day. Such numbers are quite alarming. They indicate a lack of systematic, suitably enforced policing and a meteoric rise in gang activity. This is a prominent reason for hits and gun battles. However, activists are working day and night to ensure the numbers go down in the near future.
Also read: How Can You Easily Use ChatGPT’s Rival Google Bard?
