Kiernan "AKA" Forbes with his mom Lynn Forbes in happier times.
Image: Instagram.
Around two years ago the country's music fraternity faced a massive blow: the death of multi-award-winning rapper AKA.
To soften the blow, his family and record label decided to release the "Mass Country" album that AKA had poured his heart and soul into but never got to roll out because of his untimely death, on February 10, 2023.
“Mass Country” emerged not just as an album but as a testament to AKA's artistry and vision. It encapsulates the spirit of the masses, as the rapper himself described it, creating a resonant connection with fans across the nation.
With star-studded collaborations, featuring notable artists such as Nasty C, Sjava, Emtee, Khuli Chana, Gyakie, Yanga Chief, Nadia Nakai, Blxckie and Musa Keys, the album showcased the rich tapestry of South African music.
As the album celebrates its second anniversary, AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, took to social media to share an emotional tribute. In her touching Instagram post, she reflected on the love and effort AKA poured into this work.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: "Two years ago, we released 'Mass Country', your final studio album, 14 days after you were taken from us. You had already finished it, every lyric, every beat, every detail chosen by you.
"You had already announced the release date, excited for the world to hear what you created. 'Mass Country' is not a posthumous album. It is your final masterpiece, exactly as you intended to release it."
Forbes continued to express how important this album was to her son, stating that it was not a posthumous release but rather a complete masterpiece that defines his enduring legacy.
"Mass Country is your final gift to South Africa, to the masses of our country, to the world. Wrapped in your vision, sealed with your passion. This album doesn’t just hold music, it holds you. Your voice, your spirit, your energy, your love for your craft, South Africa and the Megacy.
"It is untouched. Unchanged. You built 'Mass Country' yourself. You built your legacy yourself. And nothing, not time, not loss, not even death, can take that away. Your legacy needs nothing added, nothing removed. It stands, unshaken."
In her heartfelt message, Forbes encapsulated a unique blend of grief, pride, and gratitude: "Today, I sit with all the emotions, pride, grief, love, longing. But most of all, gratitude. And that’s why I find peace when listening to 'Mass Country'. Because it wasn’t built after you were gone, it was already complete, already perfect.
"A true reflection of where you were in your life. All that is left to do is to celebrate you. That I do every day. Forever in my heart. Mom❤️."
As fans and loved ones commemorate the second anniversary of "Mass Country," it becomes clear that AKA’s legacy is unshaken by time or loss.
Instead, the album serves as a beautiful reminder of his passion for music and his deep love for South Africa.
Fans took to the comments to remember the rapper.
"The one celebrity’s death I will never accept, understand and get over, I cry all the time, like I knew him personally, I still feel like as a country we have been robbed honestly 😢😢😢," wrote @carynleigh_26.
@davam_music commented: "Mama-mega, thank you for sharing the masterpiece with us, the culture bleeds every day. 🕊"