Fans Shocked as AKA’s Tombstone Goes Missing

When fans of the late Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known by his stage name AKA, went to visit his grave, they were left shocked and confused when they found that his tombstone was missing. Many speculated that theft could be the reason, but according to The Citizen, the tombstone was removed for technical reasons.

The Operations Manager at Authentic Stones, Josh Kenp, spoke to The Citizen about the situation and explained that the Forbes family was aware of the removal of the tombstone. He further clarified that the tombstone was only at the funeral for unveiling purposes and was removed shortly after.

“After the burial, we still need to lay a concrete foundation before installing the tombstone on top of it,” said Kenp. “If we had installed the tombstone on Saturday, the tombstone would have sunk. At the Westpark Cemetery where AKA has been laid to rest, installations cannot be done directly after the funeral, and installations on Saturdays are not allowed. We have to install it during the week, where we will lay the concrete foundation since the burial is already done.”

Kenp went on to explain that the cemetery had given them special permission to install the tombstone immediately after the funeral, and that they would be reinstalling it either this week or next week.

AKA, along with his friend Tibz, was shot and killed on February 10 in Durban’s Florida Road. The news of his death sent shockwaves across the globe, but his life was celebrated at his memorial. Friends and fans continue to pay tribute to him, with many expressing their love and support on social media.

Anatii, a close friend and collaborator of AKA, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “There will never be another Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes. Long live my brother SUPA MEGA. You were definitely a force to be reckoned with, bro. We had many ups and downs and shared many beautiful moments together, some public and others very private. When we worked on BCWYWF, it was a transformative period in both our lives, being able to harness the power of forgiveness and focusing on the bigger picture and path that God laid out for us. The pain caused by the abrupt and sad ending of your life struck a very sensitive chord, and I have been questioning the validity and tangibility of life on earth and one’s purpose in this physical realm. I pray your family, friends, and fans heal. I know it’s lit in heaven right now. Rest in eternal peace, bro. Until next time. CAMAGU.”

Pearl Thusi, another close friend of AKA, also expressed her feelings on Instagram. “Wow Kiernan… I’ve been trying to figure out which pic I’d use on my gram after the anniversary of Riky’s passing. To think this is the pic I’m using next… I could have never imagined this. I’m still trying to string sentences together to express how I feel. Is it better if I come home first? Is it better I just pretend this didn’t happen? I don’t know. Until then, it’s time to push. If you were in front of me, I would have said I’m just doing it for Kairo’s bag. Why was our love language dragging each other? I remember when I didn’t understand the difference between albums, EPs, single releases, etc. lol. I said to you I’ve bought all your albums, to which you said ‘there’s only one, but thanks baby girl!’ Anyway, over a decade later, and I’ve bought all your albums for real this time.”

AKA’s girlfriend Nadia Nakai also shared her grief on social media.

The loss of Kiernan Jarryd Forbes has undoubtedly left a huge void in the South African music industry and in the hearts of his fans. Despite the shock and sadness surrounding his untimely death, many continue to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

As fans eagerly await the reinstallation of his tombstone, it is clear that Kiernan Jarryd Forbes’ memory will continue to live on. His impact on the South African music industry, and on the lives of those who knew him, will never be forgotten.