Rapper Kiernan Forbes's daughter Kairo stood motionless in front of her father’s grave yesterday, as her weeping grandfather Tony Forbes held her hand tightly.
The seven-year-old's grandmother, Lynn Forbes — also in tears — held her other hand as the three said farewell to the beloved artist, better known as AKA, at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
Despite some rain, members of the public arrived to witness the burial. They were joined by municipal workers in brown overalls, many using their cellphones to capture the moment.
“I can’t believe he's gone. He was such a great musician. Go well Supa Mega, you will never be forgotten,” said one fan as the black casket was lowered into the ground.
Metro police guarded the cemetery gate to ensure no television cameras made it inside.
At Heroes Acre, where AKA was laid to rest, three white marquees were erected — one for the immediate family, one for dignitaries and another for close friends and relatives.
Inside, the marquees were draped in black, with black chairs. A black carpet led mourners from the entrance to the grave. Between two of the marquees, a small stage was set up. Singer Teboho Moloi walked around the large area singing hymns.
Four men dressed in black suits and black hats carried AKA’s coffin to the burial spot. Less than 2m from his grave that of TKZee kwaito star Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala.
A production company captured every moment, using a drone to fly over the grave.
Musicians Thabo Bogopa (JR) and Khuli Chana, maskandi singer Bheki Ngcobo and media personality Somizi Mhlongo joined many other artists who came to pay their respects.
Forbes was shot dead on February 10 along with his friend, celebrity chef Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, outside Wish restaurant in Florida Road, Durban.
A memorial service was held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, where friends and fellow artists took turns remembering Forbes and his music.
He was our proud and tall cedar tree that held high our aspirations, dreams and hopes
— ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula
A private funeral was held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, before his burial yesterday.
Proceedings at the funeral were formal, with hymns and a priest guiding proceedings. A piano, organ and saxophone accompanied How Great Thou Art and Lord I Come to You.
Sport, arts & culture minister Nathi Mthethwa spoke on behalf of the government, while ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also made a speech.
“Like a tree, AKA grew tall as a beam that held firm our hip-hop music. Like a tree, AKA was a timber upon which the hopes of the music industry and the future of all patriotic South Africans was built. He was our proud and tall cedar tree that held high our aspirations, dreams and hopes,” Mbalula told mourners.
Gauteng traffic police on motorbikes led the procession from the church to the cemetery.
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