In just a few weeks, South Africa will mark one year since the tragic loss of Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as “AKA,” the country’s beloved Hip Hop icon and patriot. AKA met a violent end on a fateful night in Durban last year, leaving behind a raw and painful wound for his fans and loved ones.
Nadia Nakai, who was AKA’s partner at the time of his passing, has been struggling to come to terms with the loss of the iconic rapper. Grieving the loss of someone close is never easy, especially when that person is a superstar.
Nadia Nakai, like many others who were close to Kiernan Forbes, has had her fair share of difficult moments. However, amid her pain, she found solace in the support of Bianca Naidoo, the widow of the late rapper Riky Rick.
During an interview with Sowetan Mag, the “Money Back” hitmaker revealed that confiding in Bianca Naidoo has been instrumental in helping her deal with the pain of losing AKA. Bianca, having experienced a similar loss when Boss Zonke committed suicide a year before AKA passed, understood the unique challenges of grieving a superstar.
“The person I found comfort in and had conversations with was Bianca Naidoo. She has been quite instrumental in helping me deal with this pain because she knows how it feels to lose someone you loved who was a superstar.
Much like me, she had to deal with seeing and hearing Riky Rick everywhere. Confiding in her helped me quite a lot,” Nadia Nakai shared with Sowetan Mag.
Despite the considerable emotional support she has received from her fans and AKA’s followers, Nadia Nakai admits that she still experiences moments of loneliness, especially during the recent festive period.
“Life has been tough the past couple of months, especially this past Christmas because I spent it alone… the one before was beautiful, we had a blended family.
“New Year’s was also difficult because the one before I was with Kiernan on the road… I mean, there are so many memories. But December to March is the hardest period of my life at the moment,” she added.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and challenging journey. Each person copes with their grief in their way, and finding someone who can relate to your experience can provide immense comfort.
Nadia Nakai’s connection with Bianca Naidoo, both having lost their superstar partners, showcases the power of empathy and understanding during times of grief.
While the pain of losing AKA remains, it is heartening to see Nadia Nakai finding support and strength in the company of someone who has walked a similar path. Grief may be a lonely road, but having someone who truly understands can make the journey a little less daunting.
One year may have passed since AKA’s untimely demise, but his legacy lives on through his music and the memories he left behind. And as Nadia Nakai and others who loved him continue to honor his memory, they can take solace in knowing that they are not alone in their grief.
