History of AKA (rapper) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 25, 2025

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (1988-2023), known as AKA, was a prominent South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. He rose to fame after the release of his single "Victory Lap" from his debut album, Altar Ego (2011). Widely considered one of South Africa's greatest musicians, AKA was a popular figure in South African music and the best-selling South African hip hop artist of all time.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 1988: AKA's Birth

In January 1988, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, AKA, was born in Cape Town, South Africa, into a Christian family.

2002: Formation of Entity

In 2002, AKA formed the hip hop group Entity with Vice Versa and Greyhound/Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.

2006: Entity Disbanded and Co-founded The I.V League

In 2006, Entity disbanded, and AKA co-founded the production collective The I.V League.

2009: Release of First Singles

In 2009, AKA released three singles: "In My Walk", "I Do", and "Mistakes".

July 2010: Release of I Want It All

In July 2010, AKA released "I Want It All", the lead single from his debut album, Altar Ego.

August 2011: Release of Altar Ego

In August 2011, AKA's debut album, Altar Ego, was released and certified gold by RiSA.

2011: Release of Altar Ego and Victory Lap

In 2011, AKA released his debut album, Altar Ego, featuring the hit single "Victory Lap", which helped him gain recognition.

2012: Wins Best Male Artist of the Year

In 2012, AKA won Best Male Artist of the Year at the South African Music Awards.

June 2014: Release of Levels Album

On June 2014, AKA released his second album, Levels, supported by four singles.

2014: Started Dating DJ Zinhle

In 2014, AKA began dating DJ Zinhle.

2014: Release of Levels

In 2014, AKA released his album "Levels", adding to his discography.

August 2015: Split from DJ Zinhle

In August 2015, AKA and DJ Zinhle split after allegations of AKA cheating on Zinhle with Bonang Matheba.

December 2016: Release of "The World Is Yours"

In December 2016, AKA released "The World Is Yours", the lead single from his upcoming third studio album.

2016: Relationship with Bonang Matheba

In 2016, AKA and Bonang Matheba revealed their relationship.

2016: Pre-releases and Artwork Contest

In 2016, AKA pre-released songs in support of his third album, Touch My Blood, and announced a contest for graphic designers to design the album artwork.

July 2017: Release of Be Careful What You Wish For

In July 2017, AKA collaborated with Anatii to release the album "Be Careful What You Wish For", which received positive reviews.

December 2017: Breakup with Bonang Matheba

In December 2017, AKA and Bonang Matheba broke up.

2017: Release of Be Careful What You Wish For

In 2017, AKA released a collaborative album with Anatii titled "Be Careful What You Wish For".

April 2018: WWE Appearance

In April 2018, AKA was featured at a WWE live event in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

May 2018: Delayed Release of Touch My Blood

In May 2018, the release of AKA's album Touch My Blood was delayed to allow more time for promotion.

June 2018: Release of Touch My Blood

In June 2018, AKA's album, Touch My Blood, was released after a slight delay and was eventually certified platinum.

2018: Release of Touch My Blood

In 2018, AKA released his album "Touch My Blood".

2018: Levels Album Certified Double Platinum

In 2018, AKA's Levels album was certified double platinum by RiSA.

2018: Reunion with DJ Zinhle

In late 2018, AKA and DJ Zinhle got back together.

February 2019: Comedy Central Roast Appearance

In February 2019, AKA was the featured roastee in Comedy Central SA's annual roast special.

2019: Second Breakup with DJ Zinhle

In 2019, AKA and DJ Zinhle broke up again.

2019: Touch My Blood Certified Double Platinum

In 2019, Touch My Blood was certified double platinum by RiSA.

April 2020: Cruz Vodka Collaboration

In April 2020, AKA partnered with Cruz Vodka to launch a watermelon-flavored drink with his initials on the bottles.

February 2021: Engagement to Nelli Tembe

In February 2021, AKA announced his engagement to Nelli Tembe.

March 2021: Alleged Incident with Nelli Tembe

In March 2021, an alleged incident occurred where AKA reportedly broke down a door to get to Nelli Tembe, almost a month before her death.

April 2021: Death of Nelli Tembe

In April 2021, Nelli Tembe died after a fall from a hotel in Cape Town.

November 2021: Release of Bhovamania EP

In November 2021, AKA's Extended Play Bhovamania was released, supported by four singles.

September 2022: Mass Country Album Announcement and Lead Single Release

In September 2022, AKA announced plans for his fourth studio album Mass Country and released "Lemons (Lemonade)" featuring Nasty C as the lead single.

February 2023: AKA's Death

In February 2023, AKA passed away, marking the end of his career as a rapper, record producer, and businessman.

February 2023: Release of Mass Country Album

In February 2023, AKA's album "Mass Country" was released and reached Platinum status in South Africa.

February 2023: AKA's Murder in Durban

On February 10, 2023, AKA was fatally shot in the head outside a restaurant in Durban, where he was scheduled to perform at the Yugo nightclub as part of his birthday celebration. His friend, Tebello Motsoane, was also killed in the shooting. AKA was 35 years old.