There are few rappers from across the African continent that have as big of a name in the hip-hop industry as AKA’s. However, the South African born superstar has experienced much tragedy over recent years that have many fans from around Africa wondering… what’s next?
AKA started his career way back in 2002, with then friends Greyhound” and “Vice Versa” forming a group that went by the name “Entity”. The group enjoyed some success in the form of a nomination for a KORA award in the category of Best African Hip Hop. However, despite their nomination and promising future, the group disbanded in 2006.
The disbanding of Entity led AKA to study sound engineering, and in that same year founded the production collective, I.V League, alongside two other co-founders. The I.V League were responsible for production credits for a number of big name hip hop artists across the continent. In 2009, the aspiring hip hop mogul released three songs, giving fans a taste of what was to come.
A year later, AKA became a household name with the release of his debut studio album, “Altar Ego”. The album released two tracks, namely “I Want It All” and “Victory Lap”, with the former receiving critical acclaim from specialists in the industry as well as fans. The song topped national radio charts.
The album was released almost 18 months after the first two prereleases, and went on to enjoy plenty of success. The Album was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa, an institution that represents the interests of major and independent record labels in South Africa. The album went on to receive more awards from several reputable South African music institutions.
The reception “Altar Ego” received was merely the beginning of an impressive rise to the top of South Africa’s hip hop hierarchy. In the years that followed, AKA went on to release two more albums in the space of 2 years (between 2014 and 2016), each of which received incredible accolades.
What’s more is that Kieran Forbes (AKA’s given name) began diversifying his efforts, as he ventured into the world of affiliate marketing, by partnering with South African betting giants Betway. Forbes went on further to form the Beam Group.
However, recent times have unfortunately not been kind to the hip hop star. Forbes’ Beam Group went under almost as quickly as it was established, with some of its partners using company money to buy a luxury vehicles despite the company’s financial troubles.
What’s more, after a somewhat rocky relationship history with other high profile South African celebrities, Forbes seemed to have found “the one” in Nellie Tembe. The couple announced their engagement over instagram on February 21.
However, horrifying reports of Forbes abusing drugs and being violent toward his “beloved” began to emerge after his fiance’s death. It was concluded that Tembe had very sadly taken her own life. It was reported that AKA was broken after his loss, and was seeking help to get him through this devastating period.
What’s clear is that while the star enjoyed incredible success, life has thrown some heavy punches, and it will be interesting to see just how AKA moves forward in the years to come.
This article is sponsored by Trano
