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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The death of rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, has left South Africans across the country reeling, not only due to the violent nature of his passing, but also the abrupt loss of such an iconic figure in the local music industry.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes, along with his long-time friend and former manager, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, was gunned down outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Morningside, Durban, on Friday.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rapper had only recently celebrated his 35th birthday. His newest album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mass Country</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, was set for release on 24 February.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick:</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-12-tributes-pour-in-for-sa-rapper-aka-and-his-ex-manager-after-fatal-shooting-outside-durban-restaurant/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tributes pour in for SA rapper AKA and his ex-manager after fatal shooting outside Durban restaurant</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“AKA was counted among the best rappers on the continent,” said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in the wake of Forbes’s death. “[He] was known as one of the most patriotic artists who literally flew the South African flag high everywhere he went around the globe.”</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563878\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> AKA performs at the 2014 Channel O Awards in Johannesburg on 29 November 2014. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes rose to fame between 2010 and 2012, according to the department. He released his debut album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alter Ego</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in 2011, featuring songs such as </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I want it all</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All I know</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”, as well as the smash hit single </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victory Lap</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa, and received several awards including Best Street Urban Music Album at the South African Music Awards in 2012. Forbes also won Best Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 awards.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick:</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-11-ronald-lamola-calls-for-quick-arrest-and-prosecution-of-rapper-akas-killers/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ronald Lamola calls for quick arrest and prosecution of rapper AKA’s killers</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between 2014 and 2020, Forbes released three more albums – </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levels, Touch my Blood</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhovamania</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He continued to collect accolades throughout his career, including the </span><a href=\"https://www.nydjlive.com/aka-wins-favourite-south-african-star-at-nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Favourite South African Star</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2019. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting by Tamsin Metelerkamp</span></i>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563879\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> AKA performs during the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2019 Grand Finale at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on 3 February 2019. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563880\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-04.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> Da L.E.S, AKA and Pearl Thusi at the AKA Cruz Watermelon Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 15 April 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563882\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-06.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> AKA with daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes and Rapper Da L.E.S and his daughter, Madison, during the NBA Africa Game 2018 at Sun Arena in Time Square, Pretoria, on 4 August 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563883\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-07.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1075\" /> Nadia Nakai and AKA at the Cruz SA Fashion Week Opening Party in Illovo, Sandton, on 19 October 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563885\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-08.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> AKA performs during the second annual ‘The Heavyweights’ live music concert at Carnival City in Brakpan on 16 June. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563886\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-09.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"778\" /> AKA at the third DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards held at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on 14 March 2020. (Photo: Gallo Images / Kamohelo Skosana)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1563887\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> AKA at the AKA Cruz Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 27 June 2016. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)</p>",
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"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The death of rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, has left South Africans across the country reeling, not only due to the violent nature of his passing, but also the abrupt loss of such an iconic figure in the local music industry.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes, along with his long-time friend and former manager, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, was gunned down outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Morningside, Durban, on Friday.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rapper had only recently celebrated his 35th birthday. 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(Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes rose to fame between 2010 and 2012, according to the department. He released his debut album, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alter Ego</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in 2011, featuring songs such as </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I want it all</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All I know</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”, as well as the smash hit single </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victory Lap</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa, and received several awards including Best Street Urban Music Album at the South African Music Awards in 2012. Forbes also won Best Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 awards.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick:</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-11-ronald-lamola-calls-for-quick-arrest-and-prosecution-of-rapper-akas-killers/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ronald Lamola calls for quick arrest and prosecution of rapper AKA’s killers</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between 2014 and 2020, Forbes released three more albums – </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levels, Touch my Blood</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhovamania</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He continued to collect accolades throughout his career, including the </span><a href=\"https://www.nydjlive.com/aka-wins-favourite-south-african-star-at-nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Favourite South African Star</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2019. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting by Tamsin Metelerkamp</span></i>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563879\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563879\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> AKA performs during the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2019 Grand Finale at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on 3 February 2019. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563880\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563880\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-04.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> Da L.E.S, AKA and Pearl Thusi at the AKA Cruz Watermelon Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 15 April 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563882\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563882\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-06.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> AKA with daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes and Rapper Da L.E.S and his daughter, Madison, during the NBA Africa Game 2018 at Sun Arena in Time Square, Pretoria, on 4 August 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563883\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563883\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-07.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1075\" /> Nadia Nakai and AKA at the Cruz SA Fashion Week Opening Party in Illovo, Sandton, on 19 October 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563885\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563885\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-08.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> AKA performs during the second annual ‘The Heavyweights’ live music concert at Carnival City in Brakpan on 16 June. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563886\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563886\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-09.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"778\" /> AKA at the third DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards held at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on 14 March 2020. (Photo: Gallo Images / Kamohelo Skosana)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1563887\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1563887\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/od-aka-photoessay-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> AKA at the AKA Cruz Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 27 June 2016. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)[/caption]",
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"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The death of rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, has left South Africans across the country reeling, not only due to the violent nature of his passing, but also",
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AKA performs at the 2014 Channel O Awards in Johannesburg on 29 November 2014. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
AKA performs during the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2019 Grand Finale at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on 3 February 2019. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
Da L.E.S, AKA and Pearl Thusi at the AKA Cruz Watermelon Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 15 April 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)
AKA with daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes and Rapper Da L.E.S and his daughter, Madison, during the NBA Africa Game 2018 at Sun Arena in Time Square, Pretoria, on 4 August 2018. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
Nadia Nakai and AKA at the Cruz SA Fashion Week Opening Party in Illovo, Sandton, on 19 October 2022. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)
AKA performs during the second annual ‘The Heavyweights’ live music concert at Carnival City in Brakpan on 16 June. (Photo: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
AKA at the third DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards held at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on 14 March 2020. (Photo: Gallo Images / Kamohelo Skosana)
AKA at the AKA Cruz Vodka Launch in Johannesburg on 27 June 2016. (Photo: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape)