It’s a bittersweet moment for AKA’s family, business partner Raphael Benza and team as they celebrate the success of his final album, Mass Country. Since the death of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes on February 10, streaming of the rapper’s music has been mounting.
On Thursday, while his murder is investigated, AKA’s team revealed his fourth studio album Mass Country was certified gold following its release on February 24. Vth Season record label executive Raphael said a certified plaque would be presented soon after the album achieved more than 16 million streams.
“It’s a bittersweet moment to announce that AKA latest musical masterpiece Mass Country is certified gold with over 16 million streams.
A certified plaque will be presented soon. This is no small task for a South African artist.
Kiernan Forbes is definitely happy and looking down on us with joy that we all keep making his wishes come true.”
“The team was extremely blessed to work so closely on this project with Kiernan. We spent a lot of time mapping out this rollout and creating all our content under his direction.
Kiernan worked tremendously hard on this project,” he said.
Mass Country manager and co-executive producer Nhlanhla “Nivo” Ndimande said AKA put his all into the album and got to approve all elements before his passing.
“He put his heart and soul into it. What will be coming out will be as per his direction and his vision. We thank the Forbes family for their faith in the entire team working on this project.”
AKA’s mother Lynn Forbes said she was excited to finally release the album after having had her son play it for the family before his death. “Kiernan was so proud of Mass Country. As a family, it was a pleasure to see his music’s evolution over the years. He played us this album over and over again. We’re happy the world finally gets to hear it.”
