Royalty of African hip hop touches soul in latest album
BLOOD may be thicker than water, but for local hip hop artist Kiernan Forbes an album solely about touching his inner-being could be his best yet.
In an exclusive listening session at Moyo restaurant in Melrose Arch, close friends, family and industry heavyweights gathered to hear his much-anticipated album, Touch My Blood.
Hand-picked guests included his mother, Lynn Forbes, and brothers, Da LES and Nomuzi ‘Moozlie” Mabena.
It’s no doubt the rapper and businessman, who is known by his stage name AKA, is the royalty of Africa’s hip hop realm.
Close friend and team member to the rapper, Richard Mahogany told The Star that the album was a “classic mix”. “I’ve sat through the album recording with Kiernan all the way from Sun City, Joburg and all over the country. The different energies he channelled on the album are definitely some of his best.
“He went throughout quite a tremulous period, happy period and it has all the elements and makings of a classic album.
“I got the album two weeks ago and I have been playing it every day. There is a song and mood for every single day. It’s a roller-coaster ride.
“My favourite tracks on the album are Fella and Jika,” added Mahogany.
On Friday, AKA was set to release his third studio album which included smash-hit singles, The World Is Yours and Caiphus Song, and two special instant gratification tracks, Beyoncé and Amen, which feature fellow South African rap artist L-Tido.
The self-proclaimed pop star and co-owner of the Beam Group has been in the spotlight for the record which encompasses his take on global music and futuristic sound. If the album is not enough to hit the spot, fans can sure to get a rewarding glimpse into the life of the star in his documentary, Touch My Blood.