The South African music industry and the world at large were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of rapper AKA, who was killed in a shooting on February 10, 2023.
Who is AKA?
AKA, real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, is one of Africa’s most successful and influential hip-hop artists.
He rose to fame with the hit single “Victory Circle” from his debut album “Altar of the ego” in 2010.
He is also known for his collaborations with other artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, Cassper Nyovest and Anatii.
He was also an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a social media phenomenon with millions of fans and followers across various platforms. He died at the age of 35.
But who are the people behind the rap star who supported and shaped him into the man he is today? Who are his parents, Lynn Forbes and Tony Forbes, who gave birth to and raised him in Cape Town and Johannesburg?
Lynn Forbes: AKA’s Mother
Lynn Forbes is AKA’s mother, born in 1969 in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a professional teacher who has taught in many schools in South Africa for many years.
She is also a proud and loving mother, always supporting and encouraging her son’s dreams and ambitions.
She is very close to AKA and often appears in his social media posts and videos where he affectionately calls her “So gorgeous.” She is also the grandmother of AKA’s daughter, Kairo Owethu Forbes, whom he had with his ex-girlfriend, DJ Zinhle.
Lynn Forbes is a strong and independent woman who raised AKA as a single mother after she divorced his father, Tony Forbes, when AKA was just six years old.
She moved to Johannesburg with AKA, where she continued her teaching career and provided him with a stable and comfortable life.
She also instilled in him values of hard work, education, and respect, values that he carried with him throughout his life.
Lynn Forbes is also a fan of AKA’s music and regularly attends his concerts and events, where she cheers and celebrates his achievements.
She was also his confidant and advisor, who advised and guided him on personal and professional matters.
Tony Forbes: AKA’s Father
Tony Forbes is AKA’s father, born in 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a former police officer who worked in the Cape Town Police Department for many years.
He is also a caring father to his son and plays an important role in his life. He is also the grandfather of Kairo, AKA’s daughter, whom he loves and cherishes very much.
Tony Forbes is a private and reserved man who prefers to stay out of the limelight and the media. He rarely talks about his son or his career and maintains a low profile.
He also had a strained and estranged relationship with AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, from whom he divorced when AKA was six years old.
He remained in Cape Town, while Lynn and AKA moved to Johannesburg. He had little contact and communication with AKA and only saw him occasionally.
However, Tony Forbes was not an absent or irresponsible father, abandoning his son or ignoring his responsibilities. He was a supportive and involved father, maintaining a connection and bond with AKA and contributing to his son’s upbringing and development.
He is also a proud and happy father who always follows and appreciates his son’s music and achievements, and congratulates and honors him.
