Lynn Forbes and Khuli Chana pay heartfelt tributes on AKA's 38th birthday: 'I will mourn you until I join you'

The South African music industry stood still this week to honour the late Kiernan "AKA" Forbes on what would have been his 38th birthday.

Three years after his tragic passing, Supa Mega’s influence remains undeniable. The outpouring of love from his inner circle proved that his spirit remains a powerful force in the music industry.

Lynn Forbes, AKA's mother, was deeply moved by the global wave of affection. She took to Instagram to share a touching message thanking fans for making a difficult day "a little softer".

"Yesterday (January 28) was a beautiful reminder of just how deeply Kiernan is loved and remembered. Thank you to every single person who sent a message, shared a memory, played his music, posted a tribute or simply held him in your heart.

"As his mom, there are no words that can fully express what it means to feel that continued love surrounding my child. 

"Your kindness, your stories and your presence made a tender day a little softer. Knowing that his life, his spirit and his impact still live on through all of you brings me comfort in ways I can not explain. 

"Thank you for remembering him with such warmth and respect. I see it. I feel it. And I am deeply grateful. We continue true celebrations for the rest of this week. Long live Supa Mega. Live long."

AKA’s peers and collaborators also took to social media to share personal videos, giving fans a glimpse into the man behind the music.

All the way from Zanzibar, where he is currently on vacation, rapper Khuli Chana thanked AKA for the "life, energy and creativity" he poured into the world. 

"Long live Supa Mega, long live! Happy Birthday in heaven. Thank you for the impact you made on my life. Thank you for pouring in so much life, energy, creativity, love. You were so loud about it, and I will mourn you until I join you. Love!" said Chana. 

Cultural creator Refiloe Ramogase highlighted how AKA’s musical legacy is "one of one", noting that South African hip hop still feels the void left by his absence.

"Happy heavenly birthday, Mr Kienan Jarred Forbes, on what would have been your 38th birthday on 28 January. With each minute that passes, I think it becomes really clear just how massive your impact was and how much your musical legacy will live on forever.

"You truly are one of one, and you truly did leave an indelible mark on South African hip hop and South African music at large. 

"We miss you. Life is not quite the same without you, but we continue to celebrate you, happy birthday, brother."

One of his close musical directors recalled the "Levels" era, specifically the hit song "Congratulate".

He praised AKA’s "visionary" approach to music and his ability to push those around him to be great.

"The first time I got to have a full conversation with him was during his big body of work, 'Levels', he wrote a song called 'Congratulate', I got to know him as a visionary for music, and I got to actually fall in love with the way he approaches music.

"I am grateful for the opportunity that he has given me to be able to display my skills as a songwriter and musical director. We will forever miss you, my brother. I will forever miss all of the moments in studio of us creating music. I wish that you rest in peace."

Another close friend shared a laugh about AKA’s famous "nonsense" and his "pursuit of greatness,"

"Happy birthday, bro, I miss you deeply. What I miss about you most was your nonsense, because it could go from here (low) to here (high) depending on the day. I also miss your ambition, your pursuit of greatness.

"It was always good to be around people who have ambition. My life and the industry hasn't been the same since. I want to send my love to your mom, father, daughter, and all the people who love you. I can't pick a favourite song, you know there's a mood for everything. Happy birthday, bro."

From his daughter Kairo Forbes sharing sweet memories to major radio stations like Metro FM, 5FM and YFM playing his hits on loop, the message this week was clear: Long live Supa Mega.

The celebrations are set to continue throughout the week. 

On a more sombre note, the week also saw updates in the ongoing court case.

The suspects charged with AKA and his friend, Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane's murder were recently moved to the Ebongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre, with the next court date set for February 20.