DURBAN - RAPPER AKA says his third and newly released album, Touch My Blood, is his last.
“I’m not quitting music,” he told the Sunday Tribune on Friday over breakfast. “Singles make sense economically. The music model has changed.”
Always one to buck the trend, the rapper, whose real name is Kiernan Forbes, is one of the most prolific on the continent and is known for not being afraid to do the opposite of what his peers are doing. And that hasn’t made him many fans.
“Everything that goes against the grain or what is accepted will always be shut down or spoken against.”
He chose to be in Durban to launch his album because of the support he enjoys in the city and the province. He held a signing session at Musica in Gateway Mall, uMhlanga.
“KZN is where I make the most money. It’s an important market, so it’s where I always start promotions. I need to show love to the people who appreciate me too.”
There was pandemonium at the signing, with fans (known as the megacy) trying to touch him outside Gagasi FM studios. “I just want to hug you,” said a diehard fan. “Can I hug you, please?” AKA laughed and made her wish come true.
On social media, people were vocal about the album. The expected criticism of AKA using auto tune was also there.
Fans already have their favourites, including Touch My Blood, and what could be the breakout hit from the album, Fela in Versace, which features superstar Nigerian producer Kiddominant.
AKA shares a daughter, Kairo, 3, with DJ Zinhle. Asked what he would be doing today since it’s Father’s Day, he said he would be working. “I told my father I can’t spend Father’s Day with him because I’m on the road. He told me that’s what I’m supposed to do. Father’s should work for their children.”
Kairo features on Touch My Blood and Daddy Issues II. “The most important thing for me is for my daughter to be happy.”