Lookalike of late rapper AKA sparks debate over tribute performances

by Zaghrah Anthony

Lookalike of late rapper AKA sparks debate over tribute performances

A video of a man resembling the late rapper AKA performing his hits has resurfaced online, reigniting discussions about tribute performances, copyright, and fan boundaries.

Kiernan Forbes, famously known as AKA, was tragically shot dead on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023, alongside his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. His death sent shockwaves through South Africa’s music community, and fans have since sought ways to celebrate his life and music.

Tribute or infringement?

The recently revived video shows a performer singing AKA’s “All Eyes on Me” in a packed club. While the crowd seems engaged and entertained, social media users are sharply divided. Some see it as a heartfelt homage, while others question the ethics of performing a deceased artist’s music for profit.

“Why doesn’t he just make his own songs and sing them? Using dead person songs to make money is not good,” commented @eevmalaza4i0x.

Others, however, defend the act, highlighting larger issues in the music industry:

“He is just a fan. I see nothing wrong. Focus on how AI music is stealing from artists, and real artists must be paid for AI music. Not this,” said @Just_lordy.

A striking resemblance

Fans have pointed out the performer’s uncanny similarity to AKA, with some jokingly suggesting he’s a clone. Others compare his impact to that of global icons, noting that AKA was “the South African Michael Jackson of hip hop.”

“Lol, there’s another guy in my area who looks like AKA, and he ended up taking on the personality traits of Forbes 😂,” shared @blackguymfwethu.

The crowd’s positive reaction contrasts sharply with online critics, suggesting that seeing a familiar face—and voice—helps fans feel a connection to the late artist’s legacy.

Legacy and fan culture

This incident underscores the delicate balance between honoring an artist’s legacy and respecting their intellectual property. While tribute acts have long been part of global music culture, fans and creators alike are increasingly debating where homage ends and exploitation begins.

For now, the mysterious performer remains unidentified, leaving fans to continue speculating—and debating—the proper way to celebrate AKA while navigating questions of ethics, creativity, and memory.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: The Citizen