A book about murdered rapper Keenan Forbes and his girlfriend Anele Tembe

Author of this book Melinda Ferguson When Love Dies – The tragic story of AKA and Aneledefended himself after receiving criticism from the public and the couple's families.

AKA – Hatred and support for Anele's new book

“I don't think people understand what it means to write a book. It takes a huge amount of effort and time. The crazy amount of cover leaks. when love kills surprised.

“Although I got love and support, I got a lot of hate tags on social media and even death threats from people who said they were targeting me. 'You better get a bodyguard. I was also tagged on the Gcaba taxi page and someone said, “You should take care of this woman.''

“People don't like women who are vocal or have big mouths, but I can never be silent about something that seems unfair. It's just not me.”

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talk to citizenMelinda Ferguson previously published In the Belly of the Beast: A True Untidy Story And the story of Oscar Pistorius. Oscar: an accident waiting to happensparked public outrage and debate with her new book. when love killsfocuses on the tragic story of murdered rapper Keenan Forbes, also known as AKA, and his late girlfriend Anele Tembe.

Not one to shy away from controversial issues, Melinda has written books about her struggle with addiction, including an award-winning book. got hit and I was hooked.

Death of AKA and Anele Tembe

Her current book is about the tragic story of AKA and Anele. It delves into the complexities of their relationship and the events that led to their untimely deaths.

The story of this late couple has divided public opinion for years.

Anele Tembe, 22, who was engaged to AKA, died in April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of The Pepper Club hotel in Cape Town.

No one was charged in her death, but her father, Moses Tembe, said in an interview with the SABC over the weekend that he suspected foul play in his daughter's death.

Also read: Poisoning, murder, swapped bodies… Agrizzi's new book is as provocative as Zondo's testimony

Forbes was subsequently murdered in an assassination-style murder on February 10, 2023, outside the Wish restaurant in Durban. The case is currently in court and seven people have been arrested and detained in connection with the murder.

“As a journalist, it's not about having the blessing of your family, it's about telling the story as truthfully as possible. I encouraged the participation of all parties, but it's not about having someone else's blessing when writing the book. I wasn’t dependent,” Melinda said.

She said the aim of her new book is to provide a nuanced exploration of AKA and Anele's intertwined lives and the broader social issues that may have contributed to their deaths.

This includes deep dives into themes such as domestic violence, mental health issues, toxic masculinity, and the pressures of fame.

Also read: Attention: “I disagree with anyone who suggests AKA killed my daughter” – Anele Tembe’s father

The book promises to shed light on many unanswered questions and provide insight into the events that have shaken up the South African music industry and South Africa as a whole.

Why Mr. Ferguson wrote this book

Regarding his reasons for writing this book, Ferguson says:

“I've been through my own dark journey, but the moment I learned that Anele had fallen, I wanted to know what happened in that room.

“My heart broke for this young girl. I asked myself, what were they doing at that time of the morning? 7 a.m.? Could drugs and alcohol be involved? I had always liked AKA's music, but as time went on I think the fame got to him and he became obsessed with his celebrity. I was curious as to what was going on. Like everyone else, I followed this story closely.”

As Melinda watched the truth behind Anele's death unfold, she noticed videos and photos of the couple's argument circulating on social media.

“A few weeks later, the video came out and I became more involved in the story because I was furious as a woman at what seemed like abuse to me. Then Keenan was killed. This is a huge tragedy and As a journalist, I couldn't wait to write about this.

“I've never worked so hard on a book before. I read everything I could about this couple, told people, went to his social media, and went down rabbit holes of research.” I did.

“I think in some ways the callousness, cruelty and division on social media played a role in their deaths. Watching everything spread, sometimes I feel like a voyeur and react I was fed up with it.”

Reaction to the book

In response to the book, the Forbes family released a statement.

“We are not affiliated in any way with Melinda Ferguson's books,” the statement said. “However, we find the intent and timing of this book's publication offensive and opportunistic.”

Mr. Ferguson responded that he felt the story needed to be told.

“I am extremely sorry for Forbes, their loss, his fans and the senseless loss of Tebelo “Tibs” Motsoane and his family. No family deserves to be buried, but I stand by my book and believe this story needs to be told. I've done the work. I've interviewed people on both sides. .”

Throughout the process of writing the book, Melinda was particularly troubled by the fact that Anele didn't have a voice because she wasn't famous. She said, “While she was writing this book, she heard her voice screaming in her dreams, so she wanted people to remember her life.'' We have to have difficult conversations.”

There is speculation that she wrote the book without talking to Moses Tembe, which she denies.

“I also spoke to people close to Mr. Moses Tembe and Mr. Keenan, and most of them did not want to give their names. The assassination of AKA has left people scared and unable to identify themselves. They don't want to be identified. They may have said things that didn't flatter me, but I didn't want anyone to be seen as betraying AKA.

“Moses was a grieving father and I spent precious time with him as he went through painful memories. I also explained what happened the night Anele died. I use Keenan's words a lot when I do this. He's very vivid in the book. My real struggle was getting information about Anele.

“She had no voice and very little social media presence, so I relied on Moses and the people who knew her for a portrait. She was just about to start her life when she died.” is.”

Please also read: Forbes family doesn't support 'disgusting and opportunistic' book about AKA and Anele

The public uproar surrounding the book's release stems from the sensitive nature of its subject matter.

The high profile of the couple and the tragic loss of their young lives aroused great interest and emotion from the public.

Critics of the book argue that Ferguson is exploiting the tragedy for commercial gain, while supporters argue that her research has It claims it has the potential to provide much-needed insight into the circumstances leading up to it.

Advocates also point out that raising awareness about important issues like domestic violence and mental health can lead to positive change and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Members of both the Forbes and Tembe families have had mixed reactions to the book. While some appreciated the intention to raise awareness of the issue and provide clear information to the public, others expressed concerns about the content.

Also read: 'I've never been so thrilled by a story': Books about AKA and Anele hit shelves

“The AKA and Anele tragedy has become one of the biggest news and human interest stories since Oscar's trial,” Ferguson said.

“Some people are furious and wonder why I write about people who have died, but why is death such a topic that no one touches on, especially when there are so many suspicions about the circumstances of their deaths? I don't understand.

“What's the right time? Anele passed away three years ago. I've watched the story unfold, and for me the timing for this book felt right.”