AKA had the kind of bravado that most artists have. He was a bit like Kanye West in that he believed in himself and his art.
In his comedy special, dreamer And American comedian Dave Chappelle, who was released on the last day of 2023, had some poignant words about people living their dreams.
“If you don't keep chasing your dreams, you might end up in someone else's,” declared this famous comic.
Mr. Chappelle's point was about the importance of continuing to dream as a person, especially as we grow older. Because childhood dreams are often drowned out by the worries of life.
Today would have been the 36th birthday of Keenan “AKA” Forbes, one of South Africa's biggest artists of his generation.
AKA influenced many people in his short life. He was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10 last year.
young dreamer keernan
While talking to Tony Forbes, the late rapper's father, AKA realizes that no one's dream came true except his own. “Kiernan demonstrated a passion for music and performance from a young age,” Forbes says.
“Of course, we imagined he would become a musician and performer. At the time, we had no idea he would become so successful, but his natural talent, work ethic, Given their resilience, competitiveness and confidence, we were not surprised.”
Forbes Sr. said that when he was a kid, rappers owned whatever space they were in. He loved to read, tell jokes, and was very competitive.
“Even at that age, he had talent. As his parents, we always expected him to do his best, but we never put any pressure on him regarding the direction of his career.
“He'd play Michael Jackson songs and do Mr. Bean impersonations,” she told Forbes about some of the things AKA did when the family visited his paternal side of the family on Sunday. Senior said. The world's biggest dreamers seem to be doing everything they can to make their dreams come true.
Also read: Watch: '36 years ago today I gave birth to you' Lynn Forbes remembers AKA's birthday
AKA, avid music fan
Prior to achieving solo success, AKA was part of the rap group trio Entity. The group also included Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, son of advocate Dali Mpofu.
“My fondest memory about AKA is the day I recorded my first song in a professional studio at age 14, and seeing the joy on Keenan's face when he heard his voice played.” said Mpofu-Walsh. citizen. Another member of the group was Nhlanhla Makenna.
The three met at Johannesburg's prestigious St. John's College and independently presented a project.
Mpofu-Walsh released a project in 2017, but AKA was the only one of the three to seriously pursue a music career.
AKA had an obvious passion for all music, not just his own.
“When we had a video call, he was expressing how happy he was about the verse for his song that I had just sent him an hour or two ago. Mbuzithat was included on his album,” rapper Tato Soul said of his fondest memories about AKA.
This young rapper was one of the artists featured on AKA's last album. mass country.
“Just to see a legend take a chance on a young artist and say he doesn't understand a single thing I'm saying in the verse, but he knows it's the right thing to do.” said the Pretoria-born rapper.
ALSO READ: Nadia Nakai on the cross pendant AKA always wore: 'Maybe it protected him'
Also known as Super Mega
“Keenan was an inspiration to many people growing up,” Forbes Sr. said. “His music brought joy to so many people. His musical journey inspired aspiring artists to be bold, creative, work hard, and use music to tell their stories.” It gave me such inspiration.”
AKA had the kind of bravado that most artists have. He was a bit like Kanye West in that he believed in himself and his art.
Kanye once said that being a fan of Kanye West is like being a fan of himself. The same can be said for AKA's music. “He showed his pride for his country with a flag sign placed over the microphone and urged young people to vote,” his father said.
Lyrics of one of his greatest songs the world is yourscaptured the essence of AKA: a dreamer, an aspiring artist, and a cheerleader for others.
Regarding his favorite songs, Forbes Sr. said: I'm his father and a fan of his. And like most fans, I loved most of his songs. ”
Family, friends and fans will celebrate AKA's birthday without him, but his memory will be honored. The Keenan Forbes Foundation has announced that it will be working with merchandise company Bravado to release a special fashion collection honoring AKA.
Read now: AKA's father Tony Forbes is in a race against time to be on time for the rapper's birthday
