Melinda Ferguson confirms book on tragic tale of AKA, Anele to hit shelves soon
AUTHOR Melinda Ferguson has confirmed that her book When Love Kills: The Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele will hit shelves next week.
News of the book was first leaked on social media on the third anniversary of Anele Tembe’s death.
“I have never worked harder on a book. I have never been more freaked out by a story. I have never kept a secret like I have this one, but the news has just been leaked on social media,” wrote Ferguson on Facebook.
“So here it is from the fire horse’s mouth. My new book will hit the shelves next week .... it’s been a real journey to get this out. It nearly killed my own relationship. It’s a story that broke my heart.”
Ferguson, responding to her Facebook followers, shared that she spoke intensively to both sides, both families and received permission.
Anele’s father, Moses Tembe, gave his blessing and they are glad Anele will be remembered.
Ferguson described the story as a “tragedy about two young and talented people who are no longer with us”.
She said the book will be in store next Wednesday, selling for R320, and an online conversation will take place.
Ferguson wrote The Kelly Khumalo Story and co-wrote Oscar: An accident waiting to happen with Patricia Taylor.
News of the book received mixed reactions on Ferguson’s post, some asking if it’s not soon, to which Ferguson responded no, and it’s been three long years.
Budding chef Anele was in the company of her multi-award-winning rapper fiancé Kiernan “AKA” Forbes when she “fell” to her death. Tembe died from injuries sustained from a fall from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club Hotel in Cape Town in April 2021.
AKA was murdered along with his friend, chef and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane; they were gunned down in cold blood on Florida Road, on February 10, 2023.
According to NBA Publishers, the book tells their story.
“Within weeks of hip hop star AKA getting engaged to 22-year-old Anele Tembe, she ‘fell’ to her death from the 10th storey of the Pepper Club in April, 2021,” read the description of the book.
“Details would emerge that she’d died after a long night of arguing, and that they’d been caught up in a whirlwind of toxic obsession, alleged substance abuse and violence.
“Less than two years later AKA was assassinated in what looked like a hit to avenge her death.”