RAPPER AKA has been shot dead in South Africa.
The musician, 35, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting, police say.
AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, and another man were killed while standing outside a restaurant in Durban on Friday night.
Two cars drove by and opened fire shortly before 10pm local time (8pm GMT), according to local reports.
It is understood he was due to perform at a nightclub called YUGO on Friday night.
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A notice was shared on social media, saying the event had been cancelled "due to unforeseen circumstances".
Paramedic Garrith Jamieson told Times Live two men were shot dead.
He said: "On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
"Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male had sustained multiple gun shot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene."
AKA was shot six times, according to reports.
Cape Town-born rapper AKA broke into the industry after releasing the single Victory Lap from his debut album, Altar Ego, in 2011.
The album won several accolades and in 2021 he was named Best Male Artist of the Year at the South African Music Awards.
He went on to have success with his second album Levels in 2014, followed by his third, Touch My Blood, in 2018.
AKA briefly dated DJ Zinhle, and in 2015 they welcomed daughter Kairo.
Devastated fans have described him as "the best rapper in South Africa".
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One person wrote on social media: "RIP AKA. The greatest Rapper to ever come out of South Africa."
Another user wrote: "AKA was a dope rapper. RSA and Africa have lost a rap icon."
