On the 10th of February 2023, the sad news of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes shot dead on Florida Road sent shock waves through the streets of South Africa.
If his memorial, which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre last week Friday, is anything to go by – AKA’s family, friends and legions of fans known as the ‘Megacy’ had the deepest affection for him. Those who attended or watched the service from their homes were surely touched as tears flowed down his daughter Kairo’s cheeks. Perhaps it is the burning love he felt for her that spurred him on to become one of the greatest Hip Hop artists South Africa has ever seen.
According to the TV and Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo, when AKA was asked what his plan for his career was, AKA responded by saying, “I want the mass appeal of Pro, I want the commercial viability of HHP, and I want to have the stage presence of Brenda Fassie”.
If you ask anyone in South Africa, young or old, the likelihood is that they know who AKA was. They might even spit a bar or two from one of his tracks. AKA was not a one hit wonder whose music resonated with a singular demographic. He was an artist who understood the importance of versatility. He created an alter ego, “Supa Mega” that made him a force that was bigger than the headlines and the myriad of controversies he was involved in. The artist’s ability to remain unapologetic about his sound and his vision is the exact reason why AKA was often topping South African radio charts.
Let’s look at five tracks that cemented AKA’s position in the hearts of South Africans:
- Victory Lap
When AKA dropped Victory Lap he made it clear that he was the newcomer who was here to stay.
- Composure
Who could ever forget the track that immortalized the greatest and most entertaining artist feuds the industry has seen? In 2015, at the height of his beef with Casssper Nyovest, AKA released a diss track that would remain on the tongues of fans for years to come.
- All Eyes on Me
This is undeniably one of the best collaborations in the African music industry. When this banger dropped, clubs and radio stations across the continent had no choice but to have All Eyes On Me on repeat. In fact, to this day many fans are still trying to figure out who Shibabadu Shibabu is.
- 10 Fingers (with Anatii)
Two years after their short-lived beef over Anatii charging AKA R80 000.00 for a beat, the duo dropped their joint album Be Careful What You Wish For. It was on this track that AKA, the artist famously stated that “[he thinks] his future needs some Ray-Ban”.
- Fela in Versace
What’s greater than being in a section full of baddies while screaming, “Big Shot, Super Star, Punisher, Finisher”? Even if you have never seen Fela in Versace or Mandela in a ‘rari, AKA not only captured our imagination but provoked unimaginable dance moves! The song set dance floors on fire!
AKA has left us with an incomparable discography. His fourth Studio album Mass Country is set to be released on the 24th of February. With singles such as Lemons (Lemonade), Paradise, Prada and Company, the Megacy can be rest assured that Supa Mega has left us with yet another classic album.
Long Live Supa Mega, Live Long!