Rapper AKA Parents: Meet Lynn Forbes and Tony Forbes

The South African music industry and the world at large were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of rapper AKA, who was killed in a drive-by shooting on February 10, 2023.

Who is AKA?

AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was one of Africa’s most successful and influential hip-hop artists.

He rose to fame with his hit single “Victory Lap” from his debut album “Altar Ego” in 2010.

He was also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Burna Boy, Davido, Cassper Nyovest, and Anatii.

He was also a businessman, a philanthropist, and a social media sensation with millions of fans and followers across various platforms. He was 35 years old when he died.

But who were the people behind the rap star who supported him and shaped him into the person he was? Who were his parents, Lynn Forbes and Tony Forbes, who gave birth to him and raised him in Cape Town and Johannesburg?

Lynn Forbes: AKA’s mother

Lynn Forbes was AKA’s mother, born in 1969 in Cape Town, South Africa. She was a teacher by profession who taught in various schools in South Africa for many years.

She was also a proud and loving mother who always supported and encouraged her son’s dreams and ambitions.

She was close to AKA and often appeared on his social media posts and videos, where he affectionately called her “Glammy.” She was also a grandmother to AKA‘s daughter, Kairo Owethu Forbes, whom he had with his ex-girlfriend, DJ Zinhle.

Lynn Forbes was a strong and independent woman who raised AKA as a single mother after she divorced his father, Tony Forbes, when AKA was six years old.

She moved to Johannesburg with AKA, where she continued her teaching career and provided him with a stable and comfortable life.

She also instilled in him the values of hard work, education, and respect, which he carried throughout his life.

Lynn Forbes was also a fan of AKA‘s music and often attended his concerts and events, where she cheered him on and celebrated his accomplishments.

She was also his confidante and adviser, who advised and guided him on his personal and professional matters.

Tony Forbes: AKA’s father

Tony Forbes was AKA‘s father, born in 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa. He was a former police officer who worked in the Cape Town Police Department for several years.

He was also a father who cared for his son and played an important role in his life. He was also a grandfather to AKA‘s daughter, Kairo, whom he adored and cherished.

Tony Forbes was a reserved and private man who preferred to stay away from the limelight and the media. He rarely spoke about his son or career and kept a low profile.

He also had a strained and distant relationship with AKA‘s mother, Lynn Forbes, whom he divorced when AKA was six years old.

He remained in Cape Town, while Lynn and AKA moved to Johannesburg. He had limited contact and communication with AKA and saw him occasionally.

However, Tony Forbes was not an absent or neglectful father who abandoned his son or ignored his responsibilities. He was a supportive and involved father who maintained a connection and a bond with AKA and contributed to his upbringing and development.

He was also a proud and happy father who followed and appreciated his son’s music and achievements and congratulated and celebrated him.