The Kiernan Forbes Foundation is proud to announce a special collaboration to honor the late and legendary Kiernan Forbes (AKA). The collaboration also provides an opportunity for emerging South African artists to showcase their talent and brings an unparalleled experience for AKA’s fans to enjoy.
As part of Kiernan’s upcoming birthday celebrations, from January 26th to 28th, a pop-up art and merchandise exhibition will take place at Sook Mall of Africa, featuring exclusive artwork and merchandise paying tribute to AKA. This limited-time showcase offers a unique opportunity for the public to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Kiernan Forbes Foundation aims to make meaningful and empowering contributions to society to build upon the legacy which Kiernan Jarryd Forbes left behind. In particular, the foundation intends to use his platform to develop young South Africans within the music industry and broader art world. The Sook Mall of Africa exhibition represents the first project which the foundation is undertaking. Apart from the exposure during the exhibition to showcase their art, the contributing artists will benefit directly with 90% of all proceeds, with the remaining 10% going to the Kairo Forbes Trust.
Noteworthy contributors to this exceptional exhibition include:
@galxboy_sa
GALXBOY is a South African streetwear brand which has its roots in the underground and rebellious youth street culture that dominates the urban centres of Mzanzi. GALXBOY is the brainchild of Thatiso Dube who is the founder and head designer of the brand. In 2008, he saw a gap in the market for a brand that was designed by the youth for the youth millennials as well as Generation Z. Through ambition, perseverance, and teamwork GALXBOY was born.
The GALXBOY aesthetic is characterized by its innovative designs brought to life through a 21st-century African design philosophy that showcases the modern aspirations of South African youth. The brand draws its inspiration from the “new age” youth of South Africa who constantly redefines what it means to be African, young, wild, and free.
@slaying.goliath
David Tshabalala has consistently impacted the creative influencer landscape by redefining how design and illustration are consumed as content in mainstream pop culture.
I am passionate about using design as a tool for positive social change and cultural expression. This has garnered collaborations with the world’s biggest brands such as Audi, Danone, Facebook, Netflix, Coca-Cola, MTV, Amnesty International, Smirnoff, Cadbury and KFC among others.
@mondlikunene7
Mondli “The Artivist” Kunene is a Midvaal based , international multi-award-winning and selling Visual Artist. He creates 1 of 1 highest quality thought-provoking contemporary African Art to raise awareness about social issues within the African diaspora and how those issues resonate to the rest of the world.
In 2023 he became Ambassador for A’Rise by Heineken, while in 2022 he won the Brandy Innovation Challenge courtesy of SA Brandy Foundation by showing how SA Brandy Foundation can access new markets by collaborating with his brand MONDLIART®, furthermore he was honored in Ghana Accra with an award for Theatre and Arts by Forty Under 40 Africa.
He has exhibited in Canada, India, and New York and in 2019 he was chosen as 1 Creative to look out for by Design Indaba where he also exhibited in Cape Town at the Artscape. Mondli Kunene’s work is collected by young affluent people that include politicians, entertainers, and sports stars.
@lefthandboysa
Thokozani, a self-taught Portrait Artist from Pinetown, Ntshongweni. The love of ART started when he was very young. Still true to his art, it now takes care of him.
@sk_original_rsa
SK Original, hailing from the vibrant city of Polokwane born in Cape Town. At just 21, he’s not your average artist – he’s a whirlwind of energy and passion, with a knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary art.
Raised in Polokwane with love-infused upbringing by his parents and two siblings, SK Original graduated from Capricorn High School in 2020, marking the beginning of his artistic journey. Charcoal, paint, glass, graphite, fire, and even tufting rugs – there’s no medium untouched by SK’s magic. His mantra, “Ka letsogo,” echoes through his handmade masterpieces, each telling a unique story.
@_peter_dk
My name is Peter DK. I am a Congolese self-taught artist, born in Angola and raised in South Africa, Cape Town. Drawing and painting helps me lose myself to find myself. Music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration.
My favourite medium is acrylic and charcoal. I want to create more art which speaks to and stirs the soul. My aim is to not just aspire to make a living, but to make a great difference for the next generation. Because the Earth without “art” is just “eh”.
Each contributor brings their unique flair to this celebration of AKA’s legacy.
In another groundbreaking partnership with the Forbes family, AKA merchandise will be available in major retail stores across Southern Africa over the coming years, bringing AKA closer to the Megacy fanbase like never before. This initiative aims to etch Kiernan Forbes’s legacy into the fabric of South African music, fashion, and entertainment culture.
