The parents of slain rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes say they are in a much better space following the passing of their son earlier this year.
The 35-year-old rapper was recently honoured with two posthumous awards at the 2023 South African Music Awards (SAMAs), with the first award being for Best Collaboration for Lemons (Lemonade) featuring Nasty C, and the other for Best Male Artist.
After accepting the awards on behalf of their son, his parents Tony and Lynn told local publication TimesLive that the last nine months have been a difficult rollercoaster, but that they are trying their best to move on from the loss.
“It’s difficult every day. Life goes on and people go on with their lives and we have to, but I wake up with this every day. My life has changed and a part of me is gone,” Lynn said.
Lynn, who recently started her own podcast, says that she is a different person and believes that if she talks about what she is going through, there might be one person who she can positively impact.
Despite the slow progress with his son’s murder investigation, Tony says that he is just happy that they as parents can celebrate their son’s achievements.
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“It’s still very difficult, emotionally. It’s still very much a rollercoaster. In some ways, it’s probably harder because time has moved on and things are supposed to become easier but it’s not.”
He says spending time in the company of AKA’s close friends has helped him feel closer to his son.
“Losing Kiernan has brought us closer as a family. The thing about family is it’s not just about blood family, it’s also about his friends. I have gained sons and daughters,” Tony said.
Also see: AKA honoured with 2X posthumous awards
