South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneurThis article is about the South African rapper. For other uses, see AKA (disambiguation).

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (born January 28, 1988), known professionally as AKA, is a South African rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in Cape Town, Western Cape, Forbes gained significance after releasing his single "Victory Lap" which was released from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011).

Forbes continued his success by releasing studio albums which include Levels (2014), Touch My Blood (2018), Bhovamania (2020) and the collaborative album, Be Careful What You Wish For alongside Anatii (2017).

In April 2020 Forbes alongside vodka brand Cruz launched the watermelon-flavoured drink with his initial on the bottles. That same month, Forbes was featured as a special guest on WWE Live events which were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town. As for 2019, he was the roastee for the Comedy Central Roast special.

Contents

• 1 Life and career
  • 1.1 1988–2013: Early life, beginnings and Alter Ego
  • 1.2 2014–2017: Levels and Be Careful What You Wish For
  • 1.3 2018–2019: Touch My Blood
  • 1.4 2020–present: Bhovamania
• 2 Personal life
• 3 Discography
• 4 Awards and nominations
• 5 References

Life and career

1988–2013: Early life, beginnings and Alter Ego

Main article: Altar Ego

In 2002, Forbes alongside his two friends Vice Versa and Greyhound, formed a hip hop group called En*y. The group received a nominee on the KORA Awards for the Best African Hip Hop category. En*y disbanded in 2006, leading Forbes to go study sound engineering. In 2006, Forbes co-founded the production collective The I.V League alongside two other members. The I.V League made production credits for artists including Khuli Chana, ProKid and JR. In 2009, he released three songs, which include "In My Walk", "I Do" and "Mistakes".

On 28 July 2010, Forbes released "I Want It All", which is the lead single from his debut studio album, Altar Ego. The album also pre-released two singles which was "All I Know" and "Victory Lap". "Victory Lap" was a success as it topped South African local radio charts. Alter Ego was then released on 23 August 2011. The album was certified gold by RiSA for its commercial success. The album won several accolades-notably being for the 2011 Metro FM Awards winning for Best Hip Hop Album, and the 2012 South African Music Awards for Best Male Artist of the Year.

2014–2017: Levels and Be Careful What You Wish For

Main articles: Levels (album) and Be Careful What You Wish For (AKA & Anatii album)

Forbes released his second album, Levels on 30 June 2014. The album was supported by four singles: "Jealousy", "Kontrol" (featuring Da L.E.S), "Congratulate" and "Run Jozi (Godly)" which features KO and Yanga. The album was certified platinum as for 2014, and double platinum for 2018 by RiSA.

On 2 December 2016, Forbes released the lead single "The World is Yours" from his future third album. With delay of its release, Forbes ventured with *ociated act Anatii in composing a collaborative album, Be Careful What You Wish For. Be Careful What You Wish For was released on 28 July 2017, with positive response from critics. It was supported by three singles: "10 Fingers", "Don't Forget To Pray" and "Holy Mountain".

2018–2019: Touch My Blood

Main article: Touch My Blood

With the pre-release of "The World is Yours" in 2016, Forbes also pre-released songs including "Caiphus Song", "Star Signs" (featuring Stogie T) and "Sweet Fire" in supporting the release of his third album, Touch My Blood. Concerning the album's front cover, Forbes took to Twitter announcing a contention for graphic designers in designing the artwork for his album, using his clear face portrait. As numerous entries were sent, Forbes chose the winner named Taonga, who received an internship with Beam Group. Before fifteen days of its release, he released the controversial single "Beyonce" which was a dismissive song dedicated to his past partner Bonang Matheba. Touch My Blood was then released on 15 June 2018 as it was set to release on 25 May 2018 but then delayed for taking time in building its promotion. The album was certified platinum then later certified double platinum by RiSA as for 2019. Touch My Blood sixth single "Fela in Versace" featuring Kiddominant received higher commercial success compared to the other singles.The album features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including L-Tido, JR, Yanga Chief, Stogie T, Kwesta & Okmalumkoolkat, as well as a sole international appearance by Nigerian artist and producer Kiddominant.

On 8 April 2019, Forbes was featured on a WWE live event in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. In February 2019, he was the featured roastee in:Comedy Central:SA annual roast special.

2020–present: Bhovamania

On November 6, 2021, AKA's Extended Play Bhovamania was released. The EP was supported by four singles: "Energy", "Python", "Monuments" and "Cross My Heart". At the 10 ceremony of South African Hip Hop Awards, he received nomination for Artist of the Decade.

Personal life

Forbes began dating producer DJ Zinhle at the end of 2014. After receiving several South African Hip Hop Awards accolades, Zinhle hinted at their relationship by tweeting "Congratulations to my winner". The couple have a daughter named Kairo Olwethu Forbes, born on 8 July 2015. In August 2015, Forbes and Zinhle split after it was revealed that Forbes allegedly cheated on Zinhle with television presenter Bonang Matheba. As Forbes and Matheba denied the allegations, they declared as they revealed their relationship in 2016. Forbes and Matheba broke up in December 2017. However, Forbes and Zinhle got back together in late 2018, although later in 2019 they broke up again.

On 21 February 2021, Forbes posted a picture on Instagram announcing his engagement to girlfriend Nelli Tembe. On 11 April 2021, Tembe died after a fall from a hotel in Cape Town.

Following the death of his fiancé Nellie Thembe, reports emerged that Forbes had been on drugs. Forbes then issued a public statement in response saying he would not be drawn into exposing their troubles as a couple to defend himself against "one-sided views". The rapper's statement came in the wake of a News24 report, which claimed to have seen images where Forbes can be seen using his hands to violently break down a wooden door to enter the bedroom in their apartment in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where Tembe was hiding. The incident allegedly took place on March 13, 2021, almost a month before her death.

Discography

Main article: AKA discography

Studio albums

• Altar Ego (2011)
• Levels (2014)
• Be Careful What You Wish For (with Anatii) (2017)
• Touch My Blood (2018)
• Bhovamania (2020)

Awards and nominations

References