It’s been a year since the South African music scene was rocked by the shocking news of the murder of Kiernan Forbes, famously known as AKA, and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
Revisiting the day South Africa lost two industry heavyweights
The duo was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban on the eve of what was supposed to be a celebratory performance by AKA at the Yugo nightclub.
The night that was filled with anticipation and excitement ended in a tragedy that has since left the nation and fans worldwide grappling with a plethora of unanswered questions.
On 10 February 2023, the streets of Florida Road in Durban became the crime scene of a brutal assassination caught on camera.
Witnesses and the immediate aftermath painted a grim picture of the scene, with two armed suspects executing the murder at close range before fleeing on foot.
The incident not only claimed the lives of two influential figures in the South African entertainment industry but also left a third person injured.
Despite the recovery of the weapon used and the vehicle associated with the getaway, the case remains shrouded in mystery, with no arrests made to date.
Why is the AKA murder investigation still unsolved?
The initial strides in the investigation led to the arrest of suspects in Cape Town, who, it turned out, were taken into custody for a separate case.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele then disclosed that the individuals behind AKA’s murder were close associates of the rapper, hinting at a betrayal from within his circle.
AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, on the contrary, described the murder as a well-funded assassination orchestrated by a well-connected and resourceful figure in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Of course, this fed into rumblings about the possible involvement of Anele Tembe’s father, Moses, since, after all, he was vocal about his distaste for AKA after his daughter’s death, which remains without a formal cause, almost three years later.
Despite the passage of time, the police have been persistent in their efforts to crack the case.
They have collected data from several phones and conducted specialised investigations to aid in solving the murder.
As the investigation trudges on, the lack of closure continues to haunt the family, friends, and fans of AKA and Tibz.
AKA estate remembers the rapper’s ‘Megacy’ with Dolby version of ‘Mass Country’
The Dolby Atmos Enhanced version of AKA’s album Mass Country was released on Thursday, 9 February 2024, just a day before the first anniversary of his tragic death.
This release marked a significant upgrade to the album’s audio quality, offering listeners an immersive experience that Dolby Atmos is renowned for.
The upgrade ensures that every track on the album has unprecedented depth and clarity, enhancing the listening experience to new heights and continuing AKA’s enduring legacy in the music industry.
Mass Country has achieved remarkable success since its original release. The album surpassed 10 million streams on Spotify in less than eight hours, becoming AKA’s most streamed album.
It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) just two weeks after its release and later achieved Platinum status.
Following AKA’s death, his music streams on Spotify increased by 743%, showcasing the profound effect his passing had on his fanbase and the music community at large.
The music industry mourns the loss of a superstar who was not only a significant cultural figure but also a father, a son, and a friend.
A year on, the demand for justice remains as fervent as ever, with many hoping that the mystery surrounding AKA’s death will eventually be solved, bringing peace to all those affected by this tragic event.