Emtee's heartfelt tribute to AKA amid murder investigation controversy

In a tribute shared recently on the social media platform X, South African rapper Emtee has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the late musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as AKA. 

Emtee's reflective message not only celebrates AKA's influence on his life but also underscores the enduring bond they forged during their time together in the industry.

“Some y’all idols don’t even know you exist. I shared stages, past blunts, cracked jokes and won awards together. I’m talkin’ about the one and only @akaworldwide,” Emtee passionately proclaimed. 

This nod to their camaraderie captures the essence of their relationship: more than just fellow artists, they were brothers who navigated the highs and lows of fame side by side.

This touching sentiment is not a new chapter; it echoes previous instances where Emtee has spoken openly about his connection with AKA, highlighting the mentorship and brotherly love that marked their interactions. 

During a 2023 interview on the “L-Tido Podcast”, Emtee recounted the last conversation he had with the late rapper. He recalled that their final meeting coincided with the recording of the song “Crown”, which features on AKA’s posthumous album “Mass Country”. 

“AKA was one of the people who loved me for me, never judged me. What’s crazy is that the last time I saw him was when we were recording ‘Crown’.

His last words to me were, ‘Stay safe, stay alive',” Emtee remembered, noting the length and intensity of their final embrace, which left a lasting impression on him. “That day he was humble,” he added.

Emtee's reflections extend beyond personal reminiscences; he also credits both AKA and Riky Rick for motivating him to embrace fatherhood earnestly.

“Ricky and Mega used to always big me up for raising my kids … Sh#t ain’t easy but we thrive, and I’m gonna thrive till the casket drops,” he shared. 

Despite this heartfelt celebration of AKA's legacy, the late rapper's name has recently resurfaced in a more controversial light following shocking allegations within the South African police force. 

Earlier this week, Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, responded to serious accusations made against him by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

Mkhwanazi's stirring claims during a press conference implicated Sibiya in improper conduct regarding the investigation into AKA's murder.

Sibiya, defending his actions, asserted that he had been proactive in pushing for the arrest of AKA's murder suspects, in stark contrast to Mkhwanazi's statements. 

“I am the one who was pushing for the arrest of AKA murder suspects, not Mkhwanazi,” he stated firmly during an SABC interview.

This brewing controversy has spurred intense discussions on social media, with many netizens expressing scepticism towards Sibiya's claims and questioning the integrity of the investigation.

Such developments further highlight the complexity and turbulence surrounding AKA's untimely death.