Kiernan Forbes, one of South Africa’s most prominent rappers, was fatally murdered outside a restaurant in the seaside city of Durban.
Along with his close friend, the chef, and entrepreneur Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, Kiernan Forbes was murdered.
It is believed that the two were on their way to a nightclub for a performance in honor of Forbes’ birthday when they were shot.
The motive for the murder is now being explored.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesman, told the BBC that the rapper and his buddy were walking to their vehicle when they were ambushed by two armed individuals and shot at close range.
The attackers thereafter fled the scene on foot
The police have stated that they do not wish to speculate on whether or not the murders were the result of a hit, but that the idea cannot be ruled out.
Forbes began his musical career as a member of the rap group Entity before embarking on a solo career and winning multiple honors for his music in South Africa.
Internationally, he received multiple nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the United States and an MTV Europe Music Award.
The 35-year-old tweeted on social media about his forthcoming album, Mass Country, which is scheduled for release later this month, hours before his death.
The parents of Forbes have posted a memorial to him on one of his social media sites.
“For us, Kieran Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, but above all, he was the father of his beloved daughter Kairo,” they said.
“His following of supporters affectionately referred to him as AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova, and numerous other nicknames. Our son was cherished and reciprocated that affection.”
Motsoane, who was also AKA’s former manager, has been lauded as a “genuine gentleman” on social media.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, and gunshots are commonplace.
Gun Free South Africa, a foundation that seeks to eliminate gun violence in the country, believes that 30 people are murdered every day with firearms in South Africa.
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