AKA’s Biography, Songs And Net Worth

By keninfo October 22, 2022 Entertainment 0 Comments

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes is his name, but professionally known as AKA. He is a famous South African rapper, singer, songwriter and producer who has made a big name in the music industry with his debut album, ‘Altar Ego’.

AKA was born on January 28, 1988 in Cape Town, South Africa to the parents of Lynn and Tony Forbes. He spent his early years with his grandmother in a bungalow in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town when his parents separated.

When he grew older, he moved out of his grandmother’s place and moved in with his mother, who lived in Johannesburg where he had his education and began his journey into music.

AKA’s Educational Background

AKA had his elementary education at Holy Cross Convent, Cape Town. He completed his primary education at Greenside Primary School. He later studied at St. John College for his high school education.

He focused on music for a while before studying Sound Engineering at the university.

AKA’s Music Career

AKA kick-started his music journey in the University when he co-founded a second music group, The IV Collective, alongside two other members.

The group focused on producing songs for other artistes. Notable names they worked with before disbanding were Khuli Chana, ProKid, and JR.

AKA became professionally known in music after dropping singles, Mistakes, In My Walk and I Do.

AKA eventually gained global recognition after recording and releasing his debut album, Alter Ego, in 2011. The said album was a huge success with tracks, I Want It All, All I Know, and Victory Lap topping songs of the album and the music charts in his country.

The debut album also paved the way for a winning streak for AKA as he was nominated for several music awards and winning some of them. Alter Ego was also certified gold by RISA.

In 2018, the renowned South African rapper and songwriter dropped his third album, Touch My Blood. The album was another big hit with huge commercial volumes. The album was also certified Platinum by RISA before earning the Double Platinum tag.

In November 2020, AKA dropped a four-track EP, Bhovamania. The project contained hit singles: Cross My Heart, Python, Monuments, and Energy.

The talented music star has so far released good number of hit albums and singles including:

Bhovamania
Touch My Blood
Be Careful What You Wish For
Levels
Alter Ego
Victory Lap
I Want It All

Kontrol
Jealousy
Congratulate and Run Jozi.

Awards and Nominations

AKA has in the course of his music career earned good number of prestigious awards, most notably as:

2012 Best Artist at the 18^th South African Music Awards.
Best Male Southern Africa at African Muzik Magazine Awards.
Best Collaboration Awards also at the African Muzik Magazine Awards.
Best Collaboration Awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Best Male Artiste at the 21^st South African Music Awards.
2015 Most Valuable Artiste at the 4^th South African Hip Hop Awards.
Most Digital Sales, Song of the year and Video of the year at the 4^th South African Hip Hop Awards.
Also best Collaboration, Best Hit Single and Best Remix at the 15^th Metro FM Music Awards.
2019 Favourite South African Star at the Kids’ Choice Awards
2019 Pan African Artiste of the year at the Namibia Annual Music Awards.
2020 Video of the year at the 26^th South African Music Awards and several nominations.

His Personal Life

AKA was formerly in a long-term relationship with DJ Zinhle, who is the mother of his daughter, Kairo Owethu Forbes. The couple broke up as a result of their irreconcilable differences. They however remained friends and worked together to bring up their daughter.

In the first quarter of 2023, AKA again entered into another relationship with his girlfriend, Nelli Tembe, who agreed to marry him. Sadly, the promise was however cut short when four months into their relationship, Nelli Tembe lost her life after falling from a hotel in Cape Town.

AKA is currently single, bearing the pain of the demise of his beloved fiancee in his heart.