Aka
Rapper
AKA is a South African rapper and record producer who has achieved international success with his unique blend of hip-hop, rap and house music. He is renowned for his powerful lyrics, catchy hooks and distinctive delivery, making him one of the most successful artists in South African music history.
About
Aka, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes on January 28th, 1988, is a South African rapper, singer and songwriter. He was born in Cape Town, South Africa and was raised by his mother and grandmother. Aka started rapping at the age of seven and has since gone on to become one of the most successful rappers in South Africa.
Aka released his debut album Vuzu Hustle in 2009 which peaked at number 11 on the South African Albums Chart. His second album Levels followed in 2011 and spawned several hit singles including "Victory Lap" and "Run Jozi". The album went double platinum in South Africa and earned him six Metro FM Music Awards as well as two SAMA awards for Best Rap Album and Best Collaboration.
In 2012, Aka released his third album Altar Ego which featured collaborations with AKA's childhood friend Anatii as well as K.O., Da LES, Khuli Chanaand JR. The album won him three more SAMA awards as well as an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. In 2016, Aka released his fourth studio album Touch My Blood which debuted at number one on the iTunes chart in South Africa and gave him five more Metro FM Music Awards including Song of the Year for "One Time".
Aka has collaborated with a range of international artists including Drake, DJ Maphorisa, Stogie T, Emtee and Riky Rick among others. He also runs a clothing line called I AM NOMINEE which focuses on street wear fashion.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1988</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">AKA is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 28, 1988, AKA was born in Cape Town, South Africa.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2002</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Begins Rapping Career</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">AKA begins his rap career at the age of 14.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases Debut Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his debut album "Altar Ego" at the age of 20.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2011</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Signs With Vth Season Record Label</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Signs with South African record label Vth Season and releases his second album "Levels".</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2014</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins Best Rap Album Award</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins a South African Music Award for Best Rap Album for his album "Levels".</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2018</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases "Touch My Blood" Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his fourth studio album "Touch My Blood", which goes on to become his most successful album to date.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2020</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Bhovamania" EP Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his fifth studio album and first EP titled "Bhovamania".</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Positive Role Model</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">AKA is a positive role model for young people. He promotes hard work, perseverance and self-belief in his music. His lyrics are empowering and inspiring, encouraging people to follow their dreams and never give up.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> His Music is Diverse</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">AKA is an incredibly diverse artist. His range of sounds and styles span from hip hop to rock, and even African rhythms. His creativity and passion for creating amazing music makes him a stand out artist in South Africa.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He Cares About His Fans</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">AKA cares about his fans and takes the time to interact with them on social media. He holds meet and greets after shows and makes sure to thank his fans for their support. This makes him one of the most loved rappers in South Africa.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First South African Solo Artist to Reach No. 1 on the US Billboard 200</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Aka is the first South African solo artist to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 with his album Touch My Blood in 2018.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> First South African Rapper to be Nominated for a BET Award</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Aka was the first South African rapper ever to be nominated for a BET Award, which he earned in 2014.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Co-Founded the Hip Hop Label Vth Season</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Aka co-founded the hip hop label Vth Season in 2011, which has become an influential label in South African hip hop.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> First South African Rapper to Perform at the BET Awards</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Aka was the first South African rapper to perform at the BET Awards in 2017 when he performed "Run Jozi" and "The World Is Yours".</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Won Multiple Awards</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Aka has won multiple awards including five South African Music Awards and two Metro FM Music Awards.</p></div>
FAQs
