Nearly three years to the day since the tragic passing of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, the South African hip-hop community is embroiled in a heated debate over a viral video featuring a striking doppelganger of the late “Supa Mega.”
The footage, which surfaced on February 9, 2026, shows a man with an uncanny resemblance to the rapper performing AKA’s hits on a nightclub stage. While the crowd appeared to enjoy the nostalgia, the digital reaction has been sharply polarized between those who see a moving tribute and those who find the act “disrespectful.”
The Industry Weighs In: Speedsta vs. Nota
The video quickly caught the eye of prominent industry figures, leading to a public clash of opinions on X (formerly Twitter).
- The Critic: DJ Speedsta did not hold back his disdain for the performance, suggesting the lookalike was desperate for relevance. “When you don’t get attention in high school you start to do weird things in your old age!” he tweeted.
- The Defender: Controversial music executive Nota Baloyi stepped in to provide context, identifying the man as a long-time acquaintance and genuine supporter. “He went to high school with my little brother & got lots of attention, he’s a big fan doing karaoke. Nothing weird!” Baloyi countered.
Fan Reactions
For the “Megacy”—AKA’s dedicated fanbase—the video touched a nerve, especially coming just one day before the third anniversary of the rapper’s assassination on February 10, 2023.
- “Too Soon”: Some fans felt the performance crossed a line into impersonation. “Is he aware that he’ll never be him no matter how lookalike he can be?” one user questioned, citing the emotional weight of AKA’s absence.
- “Just Karaoke”: Others defended the man, arguing that singing a late idol’s songs is the ultimate form of flattery. “Not that deep man. Just a fan doing karaoke,” argued another supporter.
A Somber Anniversary
The timing of the viral clip adds a layer of poignancy to the discussion. Tomorrow, February 10, marks three years since AKA was fatally shot outside Wish restaurant in Durban. As the South African music industry prepares for commemorative tributes and prayer sessions, the lookalike video serves as a reminder of the massive void the rapper left behind—and the diverse ways fans choose to fill it.
