One of South Africa's main rappers, popularly called AKA, has been shot outside a restaurant in the coastal metropolis of Durban.

Keenan Forbes was murdered along with his best friend, chef, and entrepreneur Tebero "Tibz" Motsoan. The pair are believed to have been shot on their way to a nightclub to perform at Forbes' birthday party. The motive for the murder is under investigation. Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netziunda told the BBC that the rapper and his friend were approached at close range by two shooters on their way to their car. getaway. Police said they didn't want to speculate whether the murder was the result of a hit, but they couldn't rule out the possibility.  Forbes began his music career as a member of his rap group, Entity. , went solo and won several awards for his music in South Africa. He has also been recognized internationally with multiple nominations for the US Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award and the MTV Europe Music Award.

Hours before his death, the 35-year-old took to social media to discuss his next album, Mass Country, due out later this month.

Forbes' parents paid tribute to him in a statement posted on one of his social media accounts.

"To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo," they wrote.

"To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova, and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return."

Motosoane, who was also the former manager of AKA, has been described on social media as a "true gentleman."

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and shootings are not uncommon.

Gun Free South Africa, a charity that works to reduce gun violence in the country, estimates that 30 people are killed by guns in the country every day.