'It's hard to believe AKA is gone'

Award-winning rapper AKA’s friend Raphael Benza says he is distraught following the brutal murder of his business partner.

“It has not sunk in yet but it became a reality when I met the family on Saturday. On the 3rd day, as we prepare for his body to come home, it has been heavy for me," an emotional Benza told Sowetan on Sunday.

“Since I began working with him I have been his road manager, manager, secretary and friend. It is only today that I have realised that when I call him, he won’t answer or reply to any of my texts anymore.

“He will never be there to add an input in any idea. Now I have a challenge to think about his mother and his daughter and how to keep the legacy alive,” Benza said.  

Born Kiernan Forbes, AKA and his lifelong friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were gunned down outside Wish restaurant on Durban’s famous Florida Road in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday night.

They had been in Durban to continue with the Fela in Versace hitmaker’s 35th birthday celebrations. His birthday was on January 28 and he had been having a series of parties over the past few days.

Benza said AKA was in high spirits on Friday and was looking forward to his birthday celebration at Yugo.

“I texted Kiernan on Thursday and we spoke on Friday when I was letting him know that we had confirmed the tour dates to Uganda and Kenya. We also spoke about Nigeria awards in which he is nominated. He was happy and in a jolly mood as he celebrates his birthday. He has been doing this for many years, where he has four or five celebrations. He normally celebrates with clubs or establishments that have given him platform before.”

“His dream was to be recognised in US and Europe. That is why he took the trip to LA in January to just to get an inspiration.”

Over the past few days, AKA had been counting down to February 27 when he would drop a new album after which, Benza said, they would have kicked off a tour in the country and other African countries.

In his last post on Friday, AKA wrote: “MASS COUNTRY 27/02/2023 … hit the link in the bio and pre add the album NOW.” (sic)

Asked if the launch would go ahead, Benza said the album was 98% ready.

“Right now the priority is the funeral, memorial, and we will update the industry and his fans once we make a decision.”

Benza has worked with AKA since 2009 after they were introduced by Motsoane.

Benza said he lost two friends in one night.

“As someone who has lived in USA, New York, Chicago, I could see where his [AKA] music was headed. I thought he was in front of it.”

Music legend and producer Oskido, who visited AKA’s home on Sunday, said he had been at the house a few days ago and he and AKA did some work together.

“We really had fun and spoke a lot about life and him wanting to find out a lot about this industry. As you know that this industry is abusive to a lot of artists especially when you don’t understand what’s going on. So we spoke mostly about what I’ve learnt and went through and the mistakes I’ve made in the industry.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes and I told him that they need to teach you something and let’s learn from those mistakes. And as you can see when he left this world, he was a changed Kiernan and was no longer the Kiernan we knew ten years ago,” Oskido said.

AKA’s designer Ole Ledimo of House of Ole said when it comes to fashion, the singer had a similar approach to his music.

“He loved colour, creativity and enjoyed different style and trends. He wanted to be comfortable and did not want anything that will limit his movement. At first, it was not easy to understand what he wants. When we began to be on the same page it was easy to work with him. He would take me through the process and history of what he is doing at the time. He did not wear clothes just to look good; he wanted to make a statement and communicate something.”

Recording Industry of SA spokesperson Lesley Mofokeng said

AKA achieved platinum sales, performed to sold-out venues and proudly flew the South African flag all over the world.

“He was a tour de force and larger than life to legions of his fans and followers. The music industry is poorer without him. May his family, especially his young daughter, Kairo, be comforted, as well as his friends, fans and followers.”

Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director Sean Watson said: “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.”

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who visited the family on Sunday, said he and AKA  “had our moments together”.

“Politically, he was sharp and independent. He loved the ANC but he wouldn’t allow certain things that are wrong not to be said and that in itself made him very special. We live in a country where raising a debate has really gone to the gutter. There’s no longer discussion, and people don’t express their views. #FeesMustFall is a point that he was vocal about, he marched alongside the students and made personal donations to support. Which is an act of solidarity.” – Additional Reporting Hloni Magadla