Forbes was born in 1988. In 2002, Forbes, alongside his two friends Vice Versa and Greyhound, formed a hip hop group called Entity. The group received a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category. Entity disbanded in 2006 and Forbes went on to study sound engineering. In 2006, Forbes co-founded the production collective The I.V League alongside two other members. The I.V League made production credits for several artists, including Khuli Chana , ProKid and JR. In 2009, he released three singles: “In My Walk”, “I Do”, and “Mistakes”.
On 28 July 2010, Forbes released “I Want It All”, which is the lead single from his debut studio album, Altar Ego.The album also pre-released two singles which were “All I Know” and “Victory Lap”. “Victory Lap” was successful as it topped South African local radio charts. Alter Ego was then released on 23 August 2011. The album was certified gold by RiSA for its commercial success. The album won several accolades, notably the 2011 Metro FM Awards for Best Hip Hop Album. Forbes won Best Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 South African Music Awards.
2014–2017: Levels and Be Careful What You Wish For 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
Forbes released his second album, titled Levels, on 30 June 2014.[12] The album was supported by four singles: “Jealousy”, “Kontrol” (featuring Da L.E.S), “Congratulate” and “Run Jozi (Godly)” which features KO and Yanga. The album was certified platinum in 2014, and double platinum in 2018 by RiSA.
On 2 December 2016, Forbes released the lead single “The World is Yours” from his third studio album. With the delay of its release, Forbes collaborated with associated act Anatii in composing the album, Be Careful What You Wish For. The album was released on 28 July 2017, with a positive response from critics. It was supported by three singles: “10 Fingers”, “Don’t Forget To Pray” and “Holy Mountain”.
2018–2019: Touch My Blood 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
With the pre-release of “The World is Yours” in 2016, Forbes also pre-released songs including “Caiphus Song”, “Star Signs” (featuring Stogie T) and “Sweet Fire” in supporting the release of his third album, Touch My Blood. Concerning the album’s front cover, Forbes took to Twitter to announce a contest for graphic designers to design the artwork for his album, using his clear face portrait. As numerous entries were sent, Forbes chose the winner named Taonga, who received an internship with Beam Group. Fifteen days before its release, he released the controversial single “Beyonce” which was a dismissive song dedicated to his past partner Bonang Matheba. Touch My Blood was then released on 15 June 2018 as it was set to release on 25 May 2018 but then delayed for taking time in building its promotion. The album was certified platinum then later certified double platinum by RiSA as for 2019. Touch My Blood’s sixth single “Fela in Versace” featuring Kiddominant received higher commercial success compared to the other singles. The album features guest appearances from fellow South African artists including L-Tido, JR, Yanga Chief, Stogie T, Kwesta & Okmalumkoolkat, as well as a sole international appearance by Nigerian artist and producer Kiddominant.
On 8 April 2018, Forbes was featured on a WWE live event in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.[22] In February 2019, he was the featured roastee in Comedy Central SA annual roast special.
In April 2020, Forbes alongside vodka brand Cruz launched a watermelon-flavoured drink with his initial on the bottles.
2020–2023: Bhovamania, Mass Country
On 6 November 2021, AKA’s Extended Play Bhovamania was released. The EP was supported by four singles: “Energy”, “Python”, “Monuments” and “Cross My Heart”. At the 10th ceremony of the South African Hip Hop Awards, he received a nomination for Artist of the Decade.
In early September 2022, AKA announced plans for his upcoming fourth studio album Mass Country on Instagram. The Nasty C-assisted track “Lemons [Lemonade]” was released on 16 September 2022, as the album’s lead single. The song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
#Source: southafricanclassic
