Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, was a pioneering South African rapper born on January 28, 1988, in Cape Town. He began his musical journey with the hip-hop group Entity before launching a successful solo career. His debut album, *Altar Ego* (2011), featuring the hit "Victory Lap," earned critical acclaim and multiple awards. AKA's innovative style blended hip-hop with African sounds, leading to subsequent albums like *Levels* (2014) and *Touch My Blood* (2018). Throughout his career, he collaborated with international artists and received numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a significant figure in South African music. Tragically, AKA's life was cut short on February 10, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the hip-hop community. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AKA_%28rapper%29?utm_source=openai))