The Forbes family on Sunday, January 28, 2024, celebrated what would have been Kiernan Forbes alias AKA 36th birthday.
The special occasion comes just weeks before the first anniversary of his death.
AKA’s tragic death came as a shock to South Africa and has so far been an unexpected loss to the music industry.
He was gunned down together with his long-time friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane at Florida Road in Durban on February 10, 2023.
To mark his 36th heavenly birthday, AKA's immediate family; Tony Forbes (father), Lynn Forbs (mother) and Kairo Forbes (daughter) gathered at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
They were joined by his girlfriend, South African rapper Nadia Nakai.
AKA's daughter, Kairo couldn't hide her emotions as she was seen wiping off her tears as they sang ' Happy birthday'.
Kairo had placed her head on the side of her father's tombstone.
They tied up 36 balloons which were released by Kairo and Nadia up in the sky.
AKA's mother did a tribute reminding herself how her son was a blessing.
"Today, 36 years ago, I gave birth to you. What an incredible blessing you are and always will be," Lynn Forbes said.
AKA's father went down memory lane, reminiscing on his son's favourite meals.
"I know you are having a good time at your heavenly party with Ma, Pa Harold, Pa Derek, Aunty Delia and Aunty Wendy. Hope Ma cooked you spicy rice, roasted potatoes, chicken, leg of lamb, and trifle. We had that today at your Mum's and we missed you at the table but we know you are being spoiled," Tony said.
"We also went to St.Michael's your church, and sang one of your hymns. I missed being able to sing it with you. But I know you were there boy."
In her birthday wishes, Nadia said that the day was painful.
"Happy heavenly Birthday AKA. We miss you so much! Got 36 balloons to send to you and in true Kairo fashion they had to be biodegradable to not harm the environment. Today is painful," she said on her Instagram handle
Last week, Nadia dropped a single in honour of her late boyfriend. The song titled Never Leave featuring Kash CPT is part of her anticipated tribute album to Super Mega.
In the single officially released last Friday, Nadia emotionally expresses the grief she experienced following AKA's untimely passing.
She shared her deep yearning for him and reflected on the beautiful moments they shared.
In an exclusive interview with SlikourOnLife (A South African music publication), she delves into the profound meaning behind the track.
"The essence of 'Never Leave' is a sentiment I wish never occurred. I yearn for him to have stayed with me forever," Nadia explained.
On September 7, 2023, The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported that police in KwaZulu-Natal said they had identified a few people of interest in the double murder case of the rapper AKA, and his friend Tibz.
The provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has confirmed during an inter-ministerial media briefing in Durban that they had also identified the firearm that was used to kill the two men.
“We have identified at least a couple of vehicles that were used. Some of the vehicles were used as a getaway, some of the vehicles that might have been used by these people who are the suspects in this incident," he said.
“We have identified at least one firearm that has been used and positively identified to have shot and killed Forbes on that evening. We are and such are in our possession as well and we as SAPS have identified few individuals that we are going to maybe, after discussing with the NPA, we might then start to bring them in," Mkhwanazi added.
