In the dynamic realm of South African hip-hop, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes has left an indelible mark. Better known by his stage name AKA, Supa Mega, or Bhova, the late rapper had come a long way, and was still going up.
AKA’s musical career started out with friends in a group called Entity. After that, he released the album Altar Ego. It served as the catalyst for his solo career, which peaked with Mass Country.
When AKA first started out in high school, he was all about pursuing his musical dreams with his friends. He did not give up after his first group Entity broke up.
Rather, in 2006, he enrolled in a sound engineering programme. This laid the groundwork for his future in music.
Controversial love life
AKA started releasing hit after hit as he rose to fame. He won awards and his star status was cemented with albums such as Altar Ego and Levels.
Super Mega demonstrated his astute business acumen by collaborating with a variety of brands. These included Reebok, Cruz Vodka, Samsung, MTN, and Betway. It was proof that he was more than just a musician.
Life was not all glitz and glamour, of course. AKA’s love life was a public spectacle, filled with highs and lows that made people talk. But he never wavered from who he was and what he did.
Winner of numerous industry awards
Some of the honours he has received during his musical career are listed below:
Best Male Artist at the 18th South African Music Awards in 2012 for his album Alter Ego. He was the recipient of multiple awards, including Best Male and Collaboration in 2015. These were from the African Muzik Magazine Awards.
At the MTV Africa Music Awards, he won Best Collaboration and Best Male Artist for his follow-up album, Levels. He also won six awards at the Fourth South African Hip Hop Awards.
He won two awards at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards in 2016 One for Best Collaboration and another for Best Hit Single.
In 2019, he won an award from the Namibian Annual Music Awards. He won another as Favourite South African Star at the Kids Choice Awards.
He took home the Music Video of the Year Award from the 26th SAMAs in 2020. In 2023, he won six awards collectively.
AKA’s music lives on
Memories of AKA live on in his music and his fans, the Megacy.
He might be gone, but his music and his spirit will live on forever. Looking back at AKA, we see a man who never gave up on his aspirations.
Rest easy, Supa Mega. You’ll always be a legend.
