Artist Spotlight: AKA

Take a peak into the life of one of South Africa's top hip-hop talents AKA!

Kiernan Jordan Forbes was born in Cape Town, South Africa on January 28, 1988 and has not stopped moving since. Whether he was a part of a group of out on his own "AKA" has proven that you can be who you want to be, and do what you want to do. In 2002 the group he was a part of, Entity, released their first smash hit "Touch and Go" took a violant burst on to the scene. The group was even nominated for "Best Hip Hop" from the KORA awards and was honored by even performing at the live event.

In 2005, as the group disband, AKA new his career would not stop here and he had way more to bring to his fans. He began to study sound engineering and in 2007 became one of the master minds behind African production talents known as the IV League, featuring the likes of AKA, Buks and Kamza (all well known at the time throughout the region). But the group atmosphere did not seem to be enough for this young star and in 2009 began to make his way onto the solo scene. He was behind chart topping hits such as "Mistakes", "In My Walk" and "Do It" and won "Best Newcomer", "Best Hip Hop" (as a solo act) and "Best Produced album" for his debut album Altar Ego.

In 2011 he reached a major career milestone and with his single "Victory Lap" (Link Above) he was awarded at the 18th South African Music Awards "Male Artist of the Year" and "Best Street Urban Music Album". This started putting his name on the map and since then has even opened for the likes of Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, and even Kendrick Lamar.

In 2014 AKA's career dreams come true when he was approached with a deal that would change his life forever. The young rapper penned his name under Sony Music through their local urban channel "We’re excited to add AKA’s illustrious career to our stable. We are excited about AKA’s growth prospects in Africa and beyond. The Sony Music/AKA partnership is the key catalyst to change the business and face of Music across Africa."

It is no mystery that AKA is seen as a complete and well rounded individual in the industry and will do nothing but expand our minds on how this country of South Africa is looking to shape their music industry in the coming years. We are extremely excited to see what he has in store so make sure you support him where you can and look forward to fantastic things to come!