Tony Forbes has appealed to singers and rappers to help him complete a deeply personal song dedicated to his late son, rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes.
Also see: Tony Forbes speaks on AKA’s released text messages with Tembe family lawyer
In an emotional message, Tony opened up about his ongoing grief, revealing that he has been working on a music project inspired by a song he once hoped to record with AKA.
It has been almost four years since the rapper’s death, and Tony admitted that the loss continues to affect him despite the positive face he puts on in public.
“It’s been 1,368 days since that night, almost four years. In public I put on a positive face, but it hurts so much,” he shared.
He explained that many things in his life stopped having the same meaning after losing his son. However, he is gradually rediscovering what matters to him and finding purpose through new experiences.
View this post on Instagram
Tony Forbes finds healing through music
Tony revealed that one of the projects closest to his heart is a song he had originally wanted to make with AKA.
According to him, he had repeatedly encouraged his son to collaborate with him, and the rapper eventually agreed. Unfortunately, they ran out of time before they could bring the idea to life.
“I nagged Kiernan to make a song with me; he gave in lol. We ran out of time, but I decided to still do it,” he wrote.
Tony said he started working on the song just over a year ago, with the intention of creating a track in which he could speak directly to his late son.
“Music just makes it easier for me,” he added.
He explained that the early demo features some of his own lyrics and was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Also see: Tony Forbes claps back at Bheki Cele over Anele Tembe case
Tony Forbes appeals to artists to help complete the song
The project has since progressed to a rough recording after Tony collaborated with an artist. However, the process has stalled because the artist is no longer available.
Despite the setback, Tony remains determined to finish the song and has now turned to social media to find vocalists and rappers who can help bring his vision to life.
“Sadly, the process has ground to a halt. That artist is no longer available. So are there any vocalists and rappers out there that can help me realise this dream?” he asked.
He encouraged interested artists to contact him through direct messages and, if possible, include a vocal sample alongside the demo.
“If you believe you can, please send me a DM. Even better, attach your vocal with some of the demo song,” he added.
A tribute to AKA through music
AKA, one of South Africa’s most celebrated hip-hop artists, was shot and killed outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban on 10 February 2023.
His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans, fellow musicians and loved ones continuing to celebrate his musical legacy.
For Tony, completing the song is more than a musical project. It is a personal way of honouring his son, expressing the pain of losing him and finding healing through music.
