The bereaved mother of AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, has spoken publicly for the first time since her son’s death last week, and she has a message for the country’s youth.
Lynn Forbes spoke to a crowd of mourners gathered outside the rapper’s Bryanston home on Wednesday night.
The ANC Youth League organized the vigil, which included a candlelight ceremony for the murdered musician in Durban last Friday.
Addressing the family of AKA, an ANC Youth League spokesperson reflected on their joint heartbreak of losing their “hero,” who inspired many young people.
Responding to the message, AKA’s dad Tony Forbed thanked the organisation for their kind words.
He said: “He has inspired the youth to study, be educated, and be leaders of the country. It’s a very sad time for us, but all the support and the love makes us very proud.”
Speaking to the public for the first time, AKA’s mom told the crowd: “I hope we get the message out there that the youth must vote.”
She stressed: “No particular party. We must vote for our country”.
It’s no secret that AKA had a strong affiliation with the ruling party. In recent years, the outspoken muso was open about his endorsement of not only the ANC but former president Jacob Zuma.
The rapper also had a soft spot for the youth of the country and donated R100 000 of his own money for the “Fees Must Fall” protest by students of the University of Witwatersrand in 2015.
AKA protested with students during fees must fall.
AKA criticised the corporate world for donating money for KFC Wedding and doing nothing to help alleviate student debt.
AKA went on to donate a R100 000 to Wits for helping students in debt. Good music, good heart #RIPAAKA pic.twitter.com/qjC5HLCGza— Sandile Mdlongwa (@MdlongwaProf) February 11, 2023