The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has issued a plea to African governments to take seriously the issue of increasing violent deaths of music stars in the continent. AFRIMA is urging the South African authorities to expedite the prosecution of the killers of Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, a rapper. The rapper was shot dead at a nightclub in Durban, South Africa, in February 2023.
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, emphasized that African governments must take deliberate action to prevent such violent attacks on music talents. He emphasized that such occurrences could undo the gains made by the creative industry over the years. Dada suggested that steps should be taken to check the proliferation of small arms, which could serve to fuel this senseless violence.
Furthermore, AFRIMA’s Country Director in South Africa, Lekunutu Seboko, highlighted the importance of the government backing up its promises and assurances with concrete action in bringing the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice as quickly as possible. Dada expressed AFRIMA’s shock and sadness at the sudden deaths of AKA and Costa Titch, another South African rapper who died on stage in March. He referred to them as true musical giants whose voices and music touched countless lives.
AFRIMA believes that African music has not yet come to terms with the losses of these musicians, which have left a significant void. The organization is calling for urgent action to prevent further violent attacks on music talents in Africa and for those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice swiftly.
