Reputable media practitioners and award-winning artists from across the globe continue to pass their condolences to the family of Kiernan Forbes, a South African multi-award-winning Hip-Hop artist, popularly known by his rap name AKA, who was recently shot dead in Durban.
Ahead of his passing, the 35-year-old artist won several local and international awards and was affectionately given nicknames by his fans for the different personalities he portrayed throughout his career, among them are Supa Mega and Bhovomania.
Ebro Darden, an American radio personality, broadcaster and well-respected DJ, was among the global icons that shared their condolence messages.
“Sending love and light to the family in South Africa, a great artist was gunned down tonight… the bro AKA,” tweeted Darden.
Darden’s sentiments were echoed by Ice Prince Zamani, a Nigerian multi-award-winning musician who produced music with Forbes.
Forbes was gunned down soon after an appearance in Durban where he was scheduled to perform and was marketing his latest album titled “Mass Country” that was set to be released on February 25th.
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, a South African multi-award-winning artist who is popularly known as Nasty C, was among the artists to be featured on AKA’s latest offering.
Through a message posted on Instagram, Nasty C shared how the 35-year-old impacted his career.
“You paved the way & gave me fuel to follow, thank you bro,” he posted.
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, another multi-award winning South African artist, and long-time rival to AKA, who is professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, joined the list of celebrities that shared their condolences.
“My sincere condolences goes out to Kiernan and Tebello’s families, colleagues and fans,” tweeted Nyovest.
“May their souls rest in peace and their legacies be celebrated. May the Good lord be with all of you at this sad time,” he added.
The 32-year-old artist also called on his fan base that stretches to over 10 million followers on Twitter and Instagram, to “send all your love to the Megacy and family,” in reference to his rival’s fan base.
VOA's Mike Hove compiled this report.