The family of South African rapper, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has confirmed his death.
KanyiDaily had reported how AKA was shot dead outside the Wish Restaurant in Durban on Friday night, February 10, along with one of his best friends and former manager, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
Tebello was standing outside Wish Restaurant with AKA and others when gunmen in two cars opened fire, killing both men and injuring another man said to be the rapper’s bodyguard.
The 35-year-old rapper, who was based in Johannesburg, flew into Durban on February 10th for his birthday party which was scheduled to hold at Yugo Nightclub which he had advertised on his social media pages before he was shot dead that night, alongside his former manager.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, AKA’s family expressed extreme sadness over his death and appealed for compassion, space and time to congregate.
The statement reads, “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023.
“We are awaiting further details from the Durban Police.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo. To many, he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by.
“Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days.
“We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
Meanwhile, some Twitter users have been dragging South Africans over gun violence in the country since the death of rapper AKA.