AKA: The Crown Prince of South African Hip-Hop

AKA, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a defining force in South African music, blending hip-hop with kwaito and pop to dominate charts for over a decade. Hailing from Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, the rapper, producer, and songwriter achieved monumental commercial success, with multiple albums certified platinum and a string of number-one hits that cemented his legacy.

Early career

Born in 1988, Kiernan Forbes began his musical journey in the early 2000s as part of the rap group Entity. His production skills quickly gained attention, leading to work on the popular television series "Zone 14." AKA's solo ambitions materialized with the release of his debut mixtape, Mbeki, in 2009, which showcased his sharp lyricism and established his presence in the competitive South African hip-hop scene.

Breakthrough

AKA's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2011 with the infectious single Victory Lap, a track that became a national anthem. This success paved the way for his debut studio album, Altar Ego, released the same year under his own label, The Vth Season. The album was a critical and commercial smash, achieving platinum status and winning multiple South African Music Awards, instantly propelling AKA to superstar status.

Key tracks

Fela in Versace — This 2013 hit featuring K.O became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing the "Versace" brand in South Africa and showcasing AKA's knack for crafting catchy, high-fashion anthems.

All Eyes on Me — A definitive chart-topper from his sophomore album Levels (2014), this song featuring Burna Boy and Da L.E.S exemplified his ability to merge hip-hop with African rhythms for a massive crossover appeal.

The World is Yours — The lead single from his 2017 album Be Careful What You Wish For, this track highlighted his introspective side and continued his streak of commercial dominance.

Jika — A later-career hit from 2019, this collaboration with Yanga Chief demonstrated his enduring relevance and skill in creating viral dance challenges alongside potent rap verses.

Company — Featuring Kiddominant, this 2018 single from the Touch My Blood era became a staple in clubs and on radio, further solidifying his hit-making prowess.

His subsequent albums, including 2018's Touch My Blood, which debuted at number one and went double platinum, continued to break records. AKA was known for high-profile collaborations, working with international acts like Anatii and Nasty C, as well as major African stars such as Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid, constantly evolving the sound of South African hip-hop.

For fans of AKA's dynamic blend of hip-hop and African pop, the music of Nasty C offers a similar trajectory of youthful lyricism and cross-continental ambition. The versatile flows and hit-making ability of Cassper Nyovest defined the same competitive era in SA rap. Listeners also gravitate toward the melodic and introspective style of Kwesta, another pillar of the modern South African hip-hop scene.

AKA's influential catalog remains in heavy rotation on major South African urban radio stations, hip-hop FM channels, and contemporary African music streams featured on this network. His anthems are regularly featured on playlists celebrating the biggest hits in African hip-hop history.

The music of AKA, a cornerstone of South African hip-hop, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his legendary discography and enduring hits through the various online radio stations available on onairium.com.