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The BET Hip Hop Awards have announced that they would honor Kiernan Forbes, the late South African rapper better known as AKA, at this year’s gala.
On February 10, AKA was shot dead outside a restaurant in the seaside city of Durban.
Two armed guys approached the rapper and his friend as they walked to their car and shot them at close range. The culprits then fled on foot from the site.
The BET Awards honor African Americans in music, acting, athletics, and other realms of entertainment each year.
According to a recent statement, the posthumous award will be accepted by family members of the late artist.
According to the release, AKA will be honored for his “significant impact on the global Hip-Hop landscape.”
Lynn and Tony Forbes, as the show’s family members, accepted the prize via a pre-recorded session during the show’s worldwide airings and described it as a “bittersweet experience.”
“This is a bittersweet moment for us as a family. Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him,” they said.
“Thank you BET for bestowing such a rightful honour to Kiernan. He would have accepted this award with pride.
“We are humbled to receive and acknowledge this honour on his behalf, especially for Kairo, who gets to witness her father’s legacy live on.”
Monde Twala, GM of Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, said: “Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was not just a music icon, he was a visionary. BET is proud to celebrate his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft which left an indelible mark on the world”.
“We are honoured to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Global Visionary Award at the 2023 ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ AKA’s legacy will forever inspire future generations, reminding us that music transcends borders and has the power to unite us all,” he added.
The award event is set to be held on October 11, by 7 pm (WAT).
