In the dynamic world of entertainment, the late South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes continues to command the spotlight, leaving an indelible mark on the global hip-hop scene. Recently, the influential artist received accolades at two illustrious award ceremonies, the BET Hip Hop Awards and the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), reaffirming his enduring impact and musical prowess even after his untimely passing.
AKA, who tragically passed away earlier this year, continues to be celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the music industry.
At the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, AKA was posthumously honoured with the prestigious Global Visionary Award, a recognition reserved for trailblazers in the hip-hop culture. The award ceremony, broadcast internationally, featured AKA’s parents, Lynn and Tony Forbes, accepting the accolade on his behalf during a touching pre-recorded segment. Describing the moment as “bittersweet,” they acknowledged their son’s deep connection to music and the lasting legacy he created.
In a report by BONA, AKA’s parents, Lynn and Tony Forbes, expressed their mixed feelings. “This is a bittersweet moment for us as a family. Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him,” they said.
Monde Twala, senior vice-president and general manager at Paramount Africa and BET International lead, lauded AKA’s unparalleled contribution to hip-hop, emphasizing his visionary status. In a report by BONA, Twala stated, “Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was not just a music icon, he was a visionary. BET is proud to celebrate his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft which left an indelible mark on the world”
In addition to the international recognition at BET, AKA leads the nominations at this year’s SAMAs with six nods. His posthumously released album, “Mass Country,” has garnered nominations in multiple categories, including Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album, Best Hip-Hop Album, Best Collaboration, and Best Produced Music Video.
These dual honours, on both local and global stages, underscore AKA’s profound influence on the hip-hop landscape. His innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft continue to serve as an inspiration to budding artists and future generations. As encapsulated by AKA’s parents while accepting the BET award, “Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him”.
AKA’s legacy lives on, resonating through the beats and lyrics that defined his career. In the world of entertainment, where stars may fade, AKA’s brilliance continues to shine brightly.
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Written by: Phetolo Sematha
Image: Instagram/AKA
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