South African rapper, Kiernan Forbes - also known as AKA - has been killed in a shooting at the age of 35.
The parents of AKA, Tony and Lynn Forbes, confirmed the rapper's death via a statement to Rolling Stone.
"It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from Durban police," read the statement.
"To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo," his parents wrote. "To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return."
As per IOL who had initially reported the news based on confirmation from well-placed police sources, the incident occurred in the coastal city of Durban on Friday just outside the Wish Restaurant when the rapper was gunned down by the suspect.
AKA was said to have been on his way to a performance at a nearby nightclub at the time of the incident.
It was alleged that the suspects walked toward the victim and opened fire at close range, just before 10:00 PM that night.
Just before his death, the 35-year-old had taken to Instagram as well as his Twitter to share the news about his new album that was set to be released later on in the month.
Fans who were once excited about the update have now taken to the comments to leave tributes for the late star.
Speaking to TimesLIVE, ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson said that they responded to a shooting incident after 10:15 pm on Friday.
"On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds," said Jamieson. "Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene."
It was also confirmed by IOL that another man believed to be the rapper's "close friend" was also fatally shot while AKA’s bodyguard was also said to have been wounded during the incident.
So far, there have been no further updates on the motives behind the shooting.
AKA, who was born in Cape Town, gained popularity after releasing his single 'Victory Lap' from his debut studio album, Altar Ego back in 2010. Since then he's gone on to become one of the country's most famous rappers.
He is survived by his daughter, Kairo.
Rest in peace, AKA.
