THE death of South Africa’s multi-award-winning rapper, AKA, has broken hearts across the southern African region.
Born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, AKA was shot dead on Friday evening outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban.
May his soul rest in peace!
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world and shootings are not uncommon.
The rapper was killed along with his close friend, former manager and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane amid reports that they were on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of AKA’s birthday celebrations.
Hours before his death, the 35-year-old Fela in Versace hitmaker had posted on social media about his forthcoming album, Mass Country, which was set for release later this month.
As the motive of the killing is being investigated, Mzansi’s police said AKA and his friend were walking to their car when they were approached by two armed men who shot them at close range and then fled the scene on foot.
As reports of AKA’s death filtered across digital media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp, Zimbabwean artistes and ordinary citizens have also expressed their displeasure over the shooting of AKA.
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The outpouring of grief on both sides of the Limpopo River is ample proof how music has been a uniting force between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with artistes from both sides criss-crossing their common border to perform live shows.
Zimbabwe has hosted prominent South African artistes including Ringo Madlingozi, Rebecca Malope, Vuyo Mokoena and the Queen of Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka, among many others.
Many of the Mzansi singers, among them Mafikizolo, DJ Tira and Makhadzi, have described Zimbabwe as their second home each time they stage performances here.
The moving tributes on different social media platforms by Zimbabwean artistes and other citizens have, indeed, proved the strong bond between the two nations, despite occasional incidents of xenophobia that sometimes soil the otherwise cordial relations.
AKA’s local fans have been sharing his pictures on different social media platforms they took with the rapper when he staged performances in Zimbabwe.
In 2016, AKA headlined the country’s biggest urban culture jubilee, Shoko Festival, alongside dancehall president Winky D.
Many, not in the know, might be wondering why AKA appears to be such a loved soul and a darling of many.
Here is why. Apart from performing in Zimbabwe, in August 2020, AKA was brave enough to add his voice and disappointment about the alleged crackdown on anti-corruption protests in Zimbabwe over alleged State corruption and the country’s collapsing economy.
When the Zimbabwe Republic Police cracked down on protests over the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter protest movement, award-winning novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga was among those arrested.
The campaign, which drew attention to human rights abuses in the country, attracted international celebrities and politicians as pressure mounted on President Emmerson Mnanagwa’s government to act on corruption.
At a time many local artistes appeared to be afraid to air their views in fear of victimisation, AKA vented his frustration on microblogging site Twitter, under the hashtag #BlackLivesMatters.
AKA, who has always been outspoken on matters about the continent, tweeted a picture of himself draped in the Zimbabwean flag as he sent love and support to the struggling Zimbabweans.
In a series of tweets back then, AKA said: “Sending love to the megacy in Zimbabwe. I hope y’all good. I would say, ‘I’m praying for you’, but that’s a bit overdone. I’d rather just say you’re on my mind, and I hope you will be victorious soon.”
Another tweet read: “Let’s spread awareness about what’s going on in Zimbabwe ... because ultimately the people need all the help they can get.”
He, again, tweeted: “The aftermath of a crisis in Zimbabwe is a crisis for South Africa in many ways. Our own government should be looking at it that way.”
As many continue to mourn AKA, below are some tributes from Zimbabwe’s artistes and other citizens.
Jah Prayzah said: “Never got to cross paths, but no one can underplay the influence AKA had on the global music scene representing Africa, we have lost a real one. Rest in eternal peace brother.”
Plaxedes Wenyika said: “Sometimes you don’t realise how artists move you till they are gone. Their art marks chapters in our lives. AKA for me was happiness, finding me. Wonderful memories, Fela in Versace, Congratulations. Thank you for making 2019 memorable. Go thee well.”
Female hip-hop rapper and former radio personality, Bantu Queen Black Bird, born Nonkululeko Vundla said: “Damn! This is so sad. The African rap game just lost a real one. Rest in peace king! You will be missed.”
Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said: “A dark cloud hangs over us as we mourn the tragic passing of SA megastar, rap icon and true friend of the Zimbabwean citizens @akaworldwide. He was extremely talented and used his voice to speak up for the oppressed. He will be deeply missed. #RIPAKA.”
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also tweeted: “As is quite evident today on social media, millions of Zimbabweans are pained at AKA’s assassination because he stood with us in our difficult times.”
In its own tweet, the South African government said: “We would like to express our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of hip hop superstar Kiernan Jarryd Forbes commonly know as “AKA”! May his soul rest in peace. The Megacy mourns you Bhova.”
