Nadia Nakai and Kairo Forbes come together in Johannesburg to celebrate the late rapper AKA’s 37th birthday with a heartfelt tribute

Birthdays are often a time for celebration, reflection, and remembrance.

For those who have lost loved ones, they can also be bittersweet.

This was the case for rapper Nadia Nakai and young Kairo Forbes, who came together to honor the late South African rapper AKA on what would have been his 37th birthday.

A Special Tribute to AKA

Tuesday, January 28, marked what would have been AKA’s 37th birthday.

The beloved rapper, known for hits like Fela in Versace, tragically lost his life outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, on February 10, 2023.

His passing left a huge void in the lives of his family, friends, and fans.

To honor his memory, Nadia Nakai joined AKA’s daughter, Kairo Forbes, in celebrating his birthday.

They shared a heartfelt moment with a birthday cake adorned with the number 37.

Also present were AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, Kairo’s younger sister Asante Mohosana, and DJ Zinhle’s helper, Zama. Nadia shared sweet photos from the day, captioning them with a touching tribute:

“Kairo is the ONE! Happy Heavenly Birthday @akaworldwide. Love and miss you forever!

AKA’s Legacy Lives On

AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, welcomed Kairo in 2015 with DJ Zinhle.

Later, in 2021, DJ Zinhle had her second daughter, Asante, with musician Bongani Mohosana, also known as Murdah Bongz.

Though AKA is no longer physically present, his influence continues to be felt through his music, family, and the love he shared with those closest to him.

Nadia Nakai’s Emotional Struggles

The loss of AKA has taken a heavy emotional toll on Nadia Nakai.

During the third season of Young, Famous & African, she opened up about her grief, admitting that she’s struggling to move forward.

In a candid conversation with Ghanaian singer Francine Nyanko Koffie, popularly known as Fantana, she revealed that she knows she needs therapy but isn’t ready yet.

“It’s difficult, just maneuvering life, you know? Low-key I’m not fine, and I know I need to go to therapy.

But I don’t see that happening any time soon… I just have too much to unpack,” she shared.

During her confessional, Nadia explained that she often tells people she’s okay so they don’t worry about her.

However, the reality is much different—she only feels fine until she’s alone.

“My person is gone. So, it’s difficult.

After losing Kiernan, I like to tell people that I’m fine because I don’t want to worry them.

And I feel like I’m okay to a certain extent—until I’m alone,” she admitted.

Thankfully, she has a strong support system of friends who make sure she’s never left alone for too long.