Lynn and Tony Forbes: "Losing Kiernan has brought us closer as a family"
Lynn and Tony Forbes share how mourning the death of their son has brought them together as a family.
AKA's parents, Lynn and Tony Forbes, say life has not been easy since they lost their child.
Speaking to Tshisa Live about AKA's recent wins at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), Lynn says she feels a part of her is gone. AKA, who was shot dead on February 10, walked away with 'Best Male Artist', 'Best Engineered Album', and 'Best Collaboration' for his hit song Lemons (Lemonade) featuring Nasty C.
Lynn said she still battles to come to terms with the loss of her son.
“It's difficult every day. Life goes on and people go on with their lives and we have to, but I wake up with this every day. My life has changed and a part of me is gone,” Lynn told TshisaLIVE.
She says the death of her son has changed her and talking about his death is a form of her healing process.
“I am a different person, but we soldier on. I believe if I talk about what I am going through, there's one person that might be helped through what I say and I hope this is what it does. He was an amazing artist and that alone makes me happy as a mother,” she added.
READ: AKA wins Best Male Southern Africa award at AFRIMMAs
AKA's father, Tony, spoke about his son's last project, 'Mass Country'. He thanked everyone who has been supporting his son's music.
“The love and the support has been amazing. It's a reflection of Kiernan's life. He inspired many through his work and collaborated with a lot of artists. Mass country is a reflection of all of that, and the fact that it has done so well shows that people love the diversity in his music,” Tony said.
He also opened up about how difficult it has been to carry on with life without AKA.
“It's still very difficult, emotionally. It's still very much a rollercoaster. In some ways, it's probably harder because time has moved on and things are supposed to become easier but it's not. I still prefer to mix with people. I feel closer to Kiernan whenever someone stops and tells me a story about him," he said.
The father said AKA's death has brought them closer as a family.
“Losing Kiernan has brought us closer as a family. The thing about family is it's not just about blood family, it's also about his friends. I have gained sons and daughters,” Tony said.
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