Rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA. Photo: Collected-
Metropolis Desk-
One of South Africa’s most popular rappers has been shot dead outside a restaurant in the southeastern city of Durban.
Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, was gunned down alongside his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane on Friday, shortly before he was due to perform on stage.
Police said the men were walking towards their car from a restaurant when they were allegedly approached by armed suspects and shot at point-blank range.
The 35-year-old rapper won multiple South African awards, was nominated several times for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the United States, and was once nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award.
‘It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son,’ his parents Tony and Lynn Forbes said in a statement posted on AKA’s Instagram account. ‘Our son was loved, and he gave love in return.’
‘They were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range,’ police said in a statement.
The father-of-one was booked to perform at a club Friday night, according to Durban city mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda.
The motive of the shooting is unknown, and police are investigating.
