SOUTH AFRICA'S POWER PLAYER

Ten years on, AKA shows the world that he’s only just getting started. Eric Bornman catches up with him about music, family and his love for the City of Gold

Last five years ain’t s#*t without me. Most consistent, I go the distance.

These lyrics from AKA’s single, ‘Dreamwork’ ft Yanga, come to mind as I sit at a private surprise dinner for AKA at Gemelli restaurant in Bryanston, where ‘Dreamwork’ was announced as being certified 5x Diamond, making AKA the first South African urban hip hop act of his generation to hit over a billion streams for an individual single. A springboard prophecy, AKA continued to be the most consistent five years on, making him one of the most relevant urban acts on the continent for the decade of the 2010s.

Taking his career to new heights each year, AKA closed off the decade with some serious power moves. He expanded his brand properties with the launch of AKA Orchestra, which saw two sold out concerts in Johannesburg and Durban; got coins for every sip taken of Cruz Vodka Watermelon; gained equity in WWE Wrestling Snacks; and, most notably, designed his own limited edition Reebok classic sneakers aka #TheSneAKA, which saw AKA write a page in the history of the Reebok brand, something very few people get to do, testament to the AKA brand power built over the last decade.

Heralding a successful 10 years in the industry at the close of 2019, where Johannesburg was a focal point in his career, it was only appropriate that Joburg Style sought to launch its first cover of the new decade with the Suga Mega, and I was tasked to find out what the New Year holds for one of South Africa’s most prized musicians and reflect on his journey. I catch up with Kiernan, famously known by his stage name, AKA, as he’s on a well-deserved bonding break with his brother, Steffan Forbes, in Seoul, South Korea. After playfully chastising me for contacting him about work whilst he’s on holiday (it’s forbidden and I know it), he goes on to share how being in Seoul is sparking his creativity – the energy of the city is electrifying and creativity exudes everywhere. “Life gets so crazy at times and it’s important to just pause. I haven’t had quality time with my brother lately, so he was the most obvious holiday companion. We’ve just been relaxing, sightseeing, enjoying great food and each other’s company,” shares Kiernan.

Mindful that he’s on holiday and not wanting to take too much of his time, I jump straight into it.

JS: There’s lot of talk around “AKA not being the same person”, “AKA has matured”. Taking away music and your creativity, which we expect to evolve over time, what would you attribute to bringing about the biggest change in you?

AKA: Definitely my daughter. Fatherhood is not something anyone could have prepared me for, but having Kairo in my life has been positively life changing. I have a new appreciation for family and leaving behind a legacy for her. I want her to have a better life and upbringing than I did. I want her to become anything that she wants to be in this world.

JS: How have you managed to stay consistent over the past 10 years, and how do you see yourself maintaining this over the next 10 years?

AKA: To make it in this industry, you must have a love for what you do, have a passion for your craft and take yourself seriously. All of which I do. Music is a spiritual thing. It’s not something that just anyone can do. My talent is God given. I always try to be a better version of myself. It’s not just every year, it’s every day. So, over the next 10 years, I see myself doing the same thing. Every day is a new opportunity to improve.

JS: If you had to put together a list of your top 10 favourite things (people, places, things etc.), what/who would be on it?

AKA: In no particular order: 1. My family 2. My music collection 3. The SneAKA 4. Cruz Vodka Watermelon 5. Man United 6. PlayStation 7. Snoek 8. Joburg 9. Cape Town 10. My cars|

JS: Joburg will forever be an essential city in your life. You went to school here, your official music career as AKA began here. When you think of Joburg, what three things come to mind?

AKA: • City of Gold • Music • Family

JS: When you think of each thing below, what one word comes to mind?

AKA: • Kairo – love • Michael Jackson – greatest • Snoek – favourite • Hip hop – legends • State of the nation – revive

I would have to say I’m most proud of the SneAKA release with Reebok.

JS: When you look back on 2019, what are you most proud of?

AKA: Wow, so much happened in 2019 that was groundbreaking for me. But I would have to say I’m most proud of the SneAKA release with Reebok. It was a collaborative design between my brother and me, and something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

JS: You did not make a big deal of celebrating New Year’s Day, but I’m sure there are things you are excited about for this year?

AKA: Yes, definitely. 2020 is going to be my best year yet! I have one of the biggest songs in the country right now. I’m excited about new music, great collaborations, more signature AKA events and a couple of surprises that I can’t share just yet.

JS: What are you currently working on?

AKA: I’m working on a new album. It will be out before the end of the year. I’m preparing for my upcoming show at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden taking place on 9 February and I’m also working on a Fees For All Mega Concert. Unfortunately, I’ve had to postpone it as I’m going in for a knee operation, but, trust me, it will be worth the wait. I want to make sure that it’s done right and people look back at it having been one of the greatest concerts of the year.

JS: What influence would you say Joburg has had on you, especially on your music?

AKA: Joburg ignited the passion I’ve always had for music. The hip hop legends that I grew up listening to were located in Joburg and that gave me a sense of motivation to keep pursuing a career in music. I think my single ‘Run Jozi’ with K.O and Yanga is the perfect embodiment of being inspired and influenced by this city.

JS: Name your three favourite hangout spots in Joburg.

AKA: • My crib • Sumo Nightclub • Rockets

JS: What should everyone know about Joburg?

AKA: If you take yourself seriously, you can make your dreams come true in Joburg. It’s not called the City of Gold for nothing.

With an upcoming Kirstenbosch show on 9 February, new single dropping in March, some surprise music collaborations, new business deals on the horizon and a continued focus on family, AKA’s 2020 plans look like the perfect foundation to set the tone for his next decade as an African star and businessman.