South African musician Kabelo Mabalane has shared an emotional memory of his final conversation with the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, revealing how the award-winning artist asked for prayers for his upcoming album just days before his tragic death.
Speaking during a conversation with SlikouronLife, Mabalane reflected on a Tuesday evening home cell gathering where AKA spoke about his musical ambitions, his faith and his plans for the future.
At the gathering, AKA revealed that he was preparing to release his fourth studio album, Mass Country. He asked those present to pray for the project, which held great significance for him as he prepared to share new music with his fans.
AKA Asked for Prayers for Mass Country
According to Mabalane, AKA arrived at the gathering with exciting plans for the album and an upcoming tour with gospel group Joy Celebration.
The rapper initially asked the group to pray for both his album and the planned tour, expressing how much the projects meant to him.
“He said, bro, I’m dropping an album. It’s called Mass Country. Please can we pray for that album today? And I’m actually going on tour. I’m going on tour with Joy Celebration,” Mabalane recalled.
However, shortly before the gathering officially began, AKA changed his request. He asked the group to concentrate their prayers on Mass Country rather than the tour.
Mabalane remembered wanting to include the tour in the prayer, but the rapper remained firm about what he wanted the group to focus on.
Looking back, the moment has taken on a deeper meaning for Mabalane because the tour never happened following AKA’s untimely passing.
A Memory That Remains With Mabalane
Mabalane described the Tuesday evening gathering as the setting for his final conversation with AKA before the rapper died on Friday, 10 February 2023.
The recollection offers a personal glimpse into AKA’s life beyond the spotlight, highlighting his commitment to his music and the importance he placed on faith and the support of those around him.
For Mabalane, the memory stands out because it was an ordinary conversation about future plans that would soon take on extraordinary significance.
AKA’s death sent shockwaves through South Africa’s entertainment industry and left fans mourning one of the country’s most influential hip-hop artists.
AKA’s Mass Country Album Was Released After His Death
AKA died in Durban on 10 February 2023. His fourth studio album, Mass Country, was subsequently released on 24 February 2023, allowing fans to experience the music he had been preparing before his passing.
The album became an important part of his musical legacy, preserving his artistry and giving listeners another opportunity to connect with his work.
Mabalane’s account provides a moving reminder of the plans AKA still had ahead of him and the personal moments that remain with those who knew him.
What do you remember most about AKA and his contribution to South African music? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
