The recent passing of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has left the nation in mourning. Forbes, 35, was scheduled to perform at YuGo nightclub in Durban on the night of his tragic death. His lifelong friend, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, 41, was also killed in the incident which occurred outside a restaurant in Florida Road.
Vashnie Naidoo, a baker and owner of Cakes by Vee, had been commissioned to create a birthday cake for Forbes in the shape of the letters that spelled out his stage name. The cake, which was meant to be a surprise, was ordered by the manager of the nightclub where Forbes was due to perform.
Naidoo, who has been baking for celebrity clients for over 10 years, spoke of her excitement at being chosen to create a cake for AKA. “Even though I was just the baker behind the scenes, baking for him was an accomplishment and great advertisement for my business,” she said.
Here’s the birthday cake AKA did not live to see
The cake itself was an impressive creation, featuring chocolate and vanilla flavors, and decorated in black, gold, silver, and white to match the event’s theme. Naidoo and the nightclub manager decided to make cakes in the shape of AKA’s initials to create a unique and stylish design.
Although Forbes’ birthday had already passed, the cake was ordered as a surprise for his upcoming performance at YuGo nightclub. Naidoo delivered the cake at 8 pm on the night of Forbes’ tragic death. “I never spoke to or saw AKA in person before, so I had hoped to see him when I arrived. But he was not there, so I left,” she said.
When she later heard the news of the shooting, Naidoo was shocked. She had expected Forbes to be celebrating his birthday at YuGo. “AKA was a famous singer with so much to live for, but his life was cut short in such a horrendous way. This is a great loss to South Africa’s music industry,” she said.
AKA was a pioneering figure in the South African music industry, having made a name for himself both locally and internationally. His death has left many fans and industry peers mourning the loss of a talented artist who had so much more to contribute.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the South African music industry and the public at large have been left grappling with the senseless loss of two lives. Tibz, AKA’s close friend, was a well-known entrepreneur and celebrity author, and his death has also been felt keenly by those who knew him.
As the nation mourns the loss of these two individuals, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing and cherishing those around us. While AKA may not have had the chance to see the impressive cake that had been created in his honor, it is a testament to the joy he brought to those around him and the legacy he leaves behind.
For Naidoo, the experience of creating the cake for AKA was a memorable one, and she will always remember the opportunity to play a part in celebrating the life of a local icon. As she reflects on the tragedy that has befallen the music industry, her thoughts are with AKA’s young daughter, Kairo, who has lost a father far too soon.
