It has been said that in life we are in death. In other words, no one knows the hour and death can intrude at any time. Despite this morbid reality, it is the hope of many people out there not to die violently. They would rather pass away peacefully in their sleep than for their body to be riddled with bullets.
But again, expectations most often contradict fate and the world stares, tearful, at the ghostly mirror of a bloody destiny. That was exactly the case of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was gunned down on Friday night around Wish Restaurant in Durban.
Even though South Africa has been plagued with an increasing crime rate recently and even though DJ Sumbody, an equally famous musician, was gunned down earlier, many did not see the tragic incident of Friday coming. But life happened and AKA’s life was cut in mid-passage, throwing the Rainbow Nation into a state of mourning.
AKA turned 35 last month and was still in the spirit of his birthday – with a lot planned for the month – when death came knocking at his door. At 35, he falls into the category of the young, but he has accomplished a lot in that short time – and touched many lives, too – to keep memories of him alive for a long time.
not surprisingly, from celebrities right down to ordinary people, almost everyone has something positive to share bout the songster who stood out for many projects, including “Touch My Blood.” While social media is abuzz with condolences and reflections about his life, some quarters are pretty quiet.
Apparently, some of his associates are too shocked – so much in a state of disbelief and agony – to muster the strength to even write a sentence. Others, like Da L.E.S., a notable friend of Kiernn’s, Zakes Bantwini and Somizi have been able to muster the courage to say something about the “Lemons (Lemonade)” hitmaker.
“I’m done,” decalimed Da. L.E.S in a tweet followed by a broken heart and crying emojis. Much later, he had written “Unbelievable,” followed by a broken heart emoji. He named no one but his message was clear enough.
For his part, Zakes Bantwini, who recently won Grammy, declaimed “No man,” followed by several broken heart emojis. Again, the message was clear – he would rather the incident never happened.
South Africa’s comic personality and Idols SA judge Somizi waxed somewhat poetic writing about AKA’s death. According to him, he couldn’t sleep hearing the news of the musician’s passing. “Sad,” “heartbreaking” and “unbelievable” were among the words he used to describe the incident while also condoling with the family of the deceased, including AKA’s girlfriend, Nadia Nakai.
“Butterfly” singer Lady Zamar wasn’t left out, as she took to social media to share her thoughts on AKA’s passing as well. In a tweet, she described as numbing and shocking the passing of AKA – an untimely death no one would want for their own. She also shared her condolences with the rapper’s family and his girlfriend, Nadia Nakai.
RnB singer Donald was just as shocked by the news of AKA’s killing and he took to Twitter to share his thoughts. He is “gutted” by the tragic incident, he noted in a tweet which has one broken-heart emoji.
SAMA-winning singer and actress Nandi Madida condoled with AKA’s family and his loved ones in general while also recalling the good times and noting that she enjoyed working with him.
For AKA – and indeed for South African hip hop – it is the end of an era, and it is doubtful the music scene will ever be the same again. Thou shouldst be living at this hour, Kiernan!
