Long Live Supa Mega

Writing this article is something I have put off for some time now, simply and mainly because words fail me. How do I do justice to the giant that is Kiernan AKA Forbes ? Someone who many of us grew up listening to, someone who truly epitomizes South African rap culture and heritage and someone who truly changed "the game" as you would call it. How does a mere me incapsulate all that he is and has done for many people, myself included. One can only try. I do not recall what the first AKA song I heard was but I remember my favourite one growing up being Jealousy. Something about the confidence and general "I don't care what you think" drew me to the rapper and in many ways as most would agree, reminded me of Kanye West, another one of my favourite rappers. Something about people being themselves unapologetically raises the hairs at the back of my neck, in all the best ways possible. It gives me chills, and puts me in awe to see people brave against what is expected of them and do exactly what they want to do, regardless of the criticism they might receive for it and if anyone mastered the art of going against the grain it was AKA. His music did not just get you on your feet but it also united many, and truly spoke to South African experiences and culture. From his incorporation of various languages, beats and lets not even get started on the master sampling! I don't think there is a South African who cannot name a favourite song of his whether they like him or not. To have been alive to witness his rise is not something that I take for granted. Much like when Amy Winehouse died, I found and still to this day continue to find myself in utter disbelief that the world has been robbed of such talent and greatness. That we will never get to experience his larger than life stage presence or be blessed with more of his talent. But if his music has taught us anything, it is that he is timeless. The fact that we are still able to enjoy projects of his that came out 10+ years ago proves he was definitely right in saying "I could just chill and never make a song again, no restraint to my catalogue" in His song Energy featuring Gemini Major. But how we wish we could have gotten more!

If we are to take anything away from AKA's passing let it be the reminder of how uncertain and short life is. Someone who had achieved so much and was still on his way to achieve more was taken from many so unexpectedly, but what he leaves behind is a priceless Megacy. Let us use this tragic passing as a daily reminder to not only go after our dreams but to do it unapologetically so too and to remember that The World is Yours , as long as you're brave enough to take it. There truly will never be another like Kiernan Forbes. My condolences, thoughts and deep prayers continue to go out to his family, more especially his daughter Kairo Forbes. We thank him for all he has done for the entertainment industry, for rap culture and lets not forget those banging vodka flavours too. Long Live Supa Mega, Live long.