Legendary Rapper AKA Honoured Through the Kiernan Forbes Foundation
The Kiernan Forbes Foundation is proud to announce a special collaboration to honour the late and legendary Kiernan Forbes (AKA). The collaboration also provides an opportunity for emerging South African artists to showcase their talent and brings an unparalleled experience for AKA’s fans to enjoy.
As part of Kiernan’s upcoming birthday celebrations, from January 26th to 28th, a pop-up art and merchandise exhibition will take place at Sook Mall of Africa, featuring exclusive artwork and merchandise paying tribute to AKA. This limited-time showcase offers a unique opportunity for the public to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Kiernan Forbes Foundation aims to make meaningful and empowering contributions to society to build upon the legacy which Kiernan Jarryd Forbes left behind. The foundation intends to use his platform to develop young South Africans within the music industry and broader art world.
The Sook Mall of Africa exhibition represents the first project which the foundation is undertaking. Apart from the exposure during the exhibition to showcase their art, the contributing artists will benefit directly with 90% of all proceeds, with the remaining 10% going to the Kairo Forbes Trust.
Noteworthy contributors to this exceptional exhibition include:
GLAXBOY (@galxboy_sa)
GALXBOY is a South African streetwear brand which has its roots in the underground and rebellious youth street culture that dominates the urban centres of Mzanzi. GALXBOY is the brainchild of Thatiso Dube who is the founder and head designer of the brand. In 2008, he saw a gap in the market for a brand that was designed by the youth for the youth millennials as well as Generation Z. Through ambition, perseverance, and teamwork GALXBOY was born.
The GALXBOY aesthetic is characterized by its innovative designs brought to life through a 21st-century African design philosophy that showcases the modern aspirations of South African youth. The brand draws its inspiration from the “new age” youth of South Africa who constantly redefines what it means to be African, young, wild, and free.
David Tshabalala (@slaying.goliath)
David Tshabalala has consistently impacted the creative influencer landscape by redefining how design and illustration are consumed as content in mainstream pop culture.
I am passionate about using design as a tool for positive social change and cultural expression. This has garnered collaborations with the world’s biggest brands such as Audi, Danone, Facebook, Netflix, Coca-Cola, MTV, Amnesty International, Smirnoff, Cadbury and KFC among others.
Mondli Kunene (@mondlikunene7)
Mondli “The Artivist” Kunene is a Midvaal-based, international multi-award-winning and selling Visual Artist. He creates 1 of 1 highest quality thought-provoking contemporary African Art to raise awareness about social issues within the African diaspora and how those issues resonate with the rest of the world.
In 2023 he became Ambassador for A’Rise by Heineken, while in 2022 he won the Brandy Innovation Challenge courtesy of SA Brandy Foundation by showing how SA Brandy Foundation can access new markets by collaborating with his brand MONDLIART®, furthermore, he was honoured in Ghana Accra with an award for Theatre and Arts by Forty Under 40 Africa.
He has exhibited in Canada, India, and New York and, in 2019, he was chosen as 1 Creative to look out for by Design Indaba where he also exhibited in Cape Town at the Artscape. Mondli Kunene’s work is collected by young affluent people, including politicians, entertainers, and sports stars.
Thokozani Ntshongweni (@lefthandboysa)
Thokozani, a self-taught Portrait Artist from Pinetown, Ntshongweni. His love of art started when he was very young. Still true to his art, it now takes care of him.
SK Original (@sk_original_rsa)
SK Original, hailing from the vibrant city of Polokwane born in Cape Town. At just 21, he’s not your average artist – he’s a whirlwind of energy and passion, with a knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary art.
Raised in Polokwane with a love-infused upbringing by his parents and two siblings, SK Original graduated from Capricorn High School in 2020, marking the beginning of his artistic journey. Charcoal, paint, glass, graphite, fire, and even tufting rugs – there’s no medium untouched by SK’s magic. His mantra, “Ka letsogo,” echoes through his handmade masterpieces, each telling a unique story.
Peter DK (@_peter_dk)
Peter DK is a Congolese self-taught artist, born in Angola and raised in South Africa, Cape Town. Drawing and painting helped him lose himself to find himself. Music is one of his biggest sources of inspiration.
His favourite medium is acrylic and charcoal. He wants to create more art which speaks to and stirs the soul. His aim to not just aspire to make a living, but to make a great difference for the next generation. Because the Earth without “art” is just “eh”.
Each contributor brings their unique flair to this celebration of AKA’s legacy.
AKA merchandise will be available in major retail stores across Southern Africa over the coming years, bringing AKA closer to the Megacy fanbase like never before. This initiative aims to etch Kiernan Forbes’s legacy into the fabric of South African music, fashion, and entertainment culture.