Thando Mokoena misses her uncle AKA Forbes. Image: Thando Mokoena shared via Instagram @thando_mokoena.
(The Post News)- Thando Mokoena, daughter of renowned actress and DJ Pearl Thusi, has opened up about her emotional connection with the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, revealing how profoundly he impacted her life.
In a recent TikTok interview with content creator Romeo Black, the teenager spoke with heartfelt honesty about the special relationship she shared with AKA, someone she described not just as a family friend but as a father figure.
Thando Mokoena Reflects on Her Deep Bond with Late Rapper AKA
When asked a deeply personal question about who she would bring back to life if given the chance, Thando responded without hesitation: “My uncle Kiernan.”
Her answer underscored the depth of the bond they shared, one that extended far beyond casual acquaintance. She explained that her relationship with the award-winning rapper grew stronger over the years due to her mother’s close friendship with him, which opened the door for AKA to play an important, guiding role in her life.
“My uncle Kiernan taught me a lot of things about religion and respect,” she said. “He was another type of father figure that I needed in my life.” Thando described AKA as someone who didn’t treat her like a child or an outsider. Instead, he took his place in her life seriously, offering guidance, structure, and support.
“Uncle Kiernan wasn’t funny with me because he treated me like his daughter,” she added. “So he was very serious. He always made sure I was grounded.”
This reflection adds another layer to the public’s understanding of AKA, who was widely celebrated for his musical genius but perhaps less publicly known for his personal relationships and role as a mentor to those close to him.
Tragically, AKA was gunned down in a targeted shooting on February 10, 2023, in Durban, alongside his long-time friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The incident sent shockwaves through the South African entertainment industry and left fans and loved ones grappling with the sudden loss.
For Thando, the pain of his passing remains deeply personal. She shared her thoughts on the life AKA still had ahead of him and the dreams he never got to fulfill. “He needed to make more music. He had a lot more plans to execute and a lot more things to do in life, I feel,” she said, her voice filled with both admiration and sadness.
When asked what she would say to AKA if she had the chance, Thando offered a vulnerable and reflective response that resonated with many who have lost loved ones too soon. “I’d tell him and Law [another late uncle she mentioned] that I appreciate them. I don’t think I showed enough appreciation when they were still here, and it’s something I still have to deal with to this day. Like, I didn’t appreciate them enough.” Her candidness offered a rare window into the emotional maturity she carries at such a young age, as well as the lasting impact the rapper left on her life.
In the same interview, Thando also touched on her role as the eldest child in the household. She opened up about the challenges of being a big sister to Okuhle Thusi and how she navigates the visible differences in parenting styles and expectations between them. Her remarks suggested a thoughtful self-awareness, showing how she processes her unique place in her family dynamic while growing up under the public eye.
Through it all, Thando continues to carry forward the lessons she learned from her late “uncle,” honoring his memory not just with words, but by living with the values he helped instill in her: respect, responsibility, and staying true to herself.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of AKA, Thando’s tribute stands as a touching reminder of the quiet, behind-the-scenes influence he had on those closest to him, a legacy that lives on far beyond the music charts.
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