AKA’s old tweets and Spotify streams keep his legacy alive
More than three years after his death, fans are still sharing AKA's tweets and streaming his songs, with several tracks passing notable Spotify milestones.
Rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes remains a strong presence online and on streaming platforms more than three years after his death, according to IOL. Fans are digging up his old social-media posts and pushing his catalogue to new listening highs.
Old tweets find a new audience
On X, users regularly repost AKA’s past messages about South Africa. Two lines in particular keep circulating: “Protect South Africa at all costs” and “God bless South Africa”.
He was known for speaking his mind online and commenting on all sorts of subjects. That reputation gave rise to a saying among fans, “There’s an AKA tweet for everything”, which tends to appear whenever one of his old posts resurfaces.
Streaming numbers on Spotify
IOL reported that his music is still drawing listeners. “Company”, a collaboration with KDDO from his posthumous album “Mass Country”, has passed nine million streams on Spotify. “Fela in Versace” has gone beyond 12 million.
The outlet listed his most-streamed Spotify songs as follows:
- “All Eyes on Me”, a collaboration with Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR: 21,636,487 streams
- “Lemons (Lemonade)”: 19,677,771 streams
- “Fela in Versace”: 12,362,341 streams
- “Company” with KDDO: 9,064,887 streams
- “Jika” with Yanga Chief: 7,678,839 streams
- “The World Is Yours”: 6,683,033 streams
- “Run Jozi (Godly)” with K.O: 5,212,718 streams
The albums behind the songs
AKA’s place in South African hip-hop rests on a run of albums. They include “Be Careful What You Wish For” (2017), “Touch My Blood” (2018) and “Mass Country” (2023).
Court case in the background
His name has also been in the news because of a murder trial. Seven men are accused over the deaths of AKA and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. Proceedings opened in the Durban High Court on 5 October 2026, and all seven accused pleaded not guilty. As the case continues, the accused remain innocent unless a court finds otherwise.
What this means for fans
For listeners, his music remains available on Spotify, where the play counts are visible on each track page. The figures quoted here are those reported by IOL and may change as people keep streaming.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
