AKA's Biography

Born on the 28th of January 1988 in Cape Town, South Africa, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, professionally and popularly known as AKA, was a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to fame after the release of "Victory Lap," a single from his first studio album, titled Alter Ego, in 2011.

His success after the release of "Alter Ego" was followed by the release of top-notch albums like Levels in 2014, Touch My Blood in 2018, Bhovamania in 2020, and a joint album with Anatti titled Be Careful What You Wish for in 2017.

In April 2020, along side Cruz the vodka brand, AKA launched a drink with watermelon flavor, carrying his initials on the bottles. Later that month, he appeared as a special guest in a WWE live event that was hosted in South Africa. 

Early life and education

AKA was born on January 28th, 1988, to Mr. Tony Forbes and Mrs. Lynn Forbes in Cape Town, South Africa. While his father worked in Johannesburg for an insurance company, his mother was an educator. AKA spent the first few years of his life with his parents before moving to Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, to live with his grandmother. 

AKA started his primary education at Holy Cross Convent before moving to Greenside Elementary School and later St. Louis College. In 2006, after disbanding Entity, the music group he formed alongside his friends Vice Versa and Greyhound, AKA had to go study sound engineering. 

Music career

AKA started his music career by establishing the music group "Entity," with his two friends, Vice Versa and Greyhound. Entity performed really well as a group and was even nominated at the KORA Awards in the Best African Hip-hop Jump category. Entity was later disbanded when AKA had to go study sound engineering. 

In 2006, alongside two other members, AKA co-founded The IV League, a production collective that later went on to produce music for notable artists like JR, ProKid, and Khuli Chana. 

KA started making a name for himself in the South African music industry with the release of singles like "I Do," "In My Walk," and "Mistakes," and in no time, he rose to stardom with the release of his first studio album in 2011 titled "Alter Ego." The album received lots of recognition and had hit singles like "Victory Lap," "All I Know," and "I Want It All."

On the 30th of June, 2014, AKA released his second studio album titled "Levels." The album had four singles; "Control" featuring Da L.E.S, "Run Jozi (Godly)" featuring Yanga and KO, "Congratulate," and "Jealousy." It went on to receive a platinum certification that year and a double platinum certification by RISA four years later. 

In June 2018, AKA released his third album, titled "Touch My Blood." The album received a platinum certification and a double platinum certification from RISA the following year. 

In November 2021, AKA released "Bhovamania," an Extended Play (EP) which had hit singles like "Cross My Heart," "Monuments," "Pyhton," and "Energy."  

In September 2022, AKA made an announcement of his upcoming album titled "Mass Country" on Instagram, with the date of its release yet to be known. 

AKA's Death

On February 10, 2023, AKA was shot dead in a drive-by shooting outside the Wish Restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, South Africa. His death was confirmed the following morning by his family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are AKA's parents?

AKA's parents are Mr. Tony Forbes and Mrs. Lynn Forbes. While his father worked in Johannesburg for an insurance company, his mother was an educator. AKA spent the first few years of his life with his parents before moving to Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, to live with his grandmother. 

How old is AKA?

AKA was born on January 28th,1988. He was 35 years old.

AKA and DJ Zinhle

AKA and DJ Zinhle started dating in 2014. They broke up in August 2015 after it was alleged that he cheated on her with television presenter Bonang Matheba. 

Who is AKA's daughter?

AKA and his ex-partner, DJ Zinhle, have a daughter together named Kairo Olwethu Forbes. She was born on July 8, 2015.