AKA's luxury send-off wins big at 'Funeral Awards'

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AKA’s 2023 funeral was a sad occasion for family, friends, and fans, but it was also a five-star send-off that earned Broodie Funeral Parlour the title of “Funeral of the Year.”

The celebrity service – who also buried Tito Mboweni last year- was the biggest winner at the inaugural National Funeral Business Awards in Durban last week.

The awards took place in the same city where the rapper – real name Kiernan Forbes – was killed two years ago.

AKA’S FIVE-STAR FUNERAL WINS BIG

Last week, the inaugural National Funeral Business Awards – sponsored by FNB – took place at the Durban ICC.

The awards sought to recognise the best in South Africa’s R10 billion funeral parlour industry.

Walking away with the coveted title of Best Service Funeral Company of the Year was Soshunguve’s Broodie Funeral Parlour, who laid slain rapper AKA to rest in 2023.

Bizarrely, the entertainer’s five-star funeral also earned the parlour the title of “Funeral of the Year Award.

Days after his tragic passing, Broodie rolled out the red carpet for the hitmaker’s final send-off. From a BMW motorcade to an elegant church and graveside set-up, it was clear that no expense was spared.

The rapper’s body was transported in a transparent trailer in an elaborate procession that ended at Heroes’s Acre in West Park Cemetary.

CEO Morongwa Broodie told the Sunday Timesof being tasked with burying South Africa’s biggest rapper: “From the casket, flowers, choice of venue, cars, everything was carefully chosen to speak of his legacy. We made sure the funeral told a story of who AKA was; the father, the artist, the visionary, and the fighter. It was as much about cementing his place in history as it was about saying goodbye.

He continued: “I feel a surreal mix of pride, solemnity and deep gratitude.

“Winning such awards is not just about recognition but a powerful acknowledgment of the care poured into helping people to say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and meaning.

“It is not that kind of award where you pop champagne and throw confetti. But one where you stand a little taller knowing you served others in one of life’s most sacred moments.”

TACKY OR A TOAST TO CLASS?

On social media, South Africans have questioned the necessity of celebrating awards for funeral parlours, given the seriousness and solemness of the nature of their business.

Responding to criticism, the National Funeral Business Awards CEO Muzi Hlengwa said, ”We are not celebrating the funeral. We are celebrating the safety that is rendered.

“When someone is in pain, you are able to save their life. You must be celebrated.

He added: “As undertakers, are not only burying people. But we are also dealing with the pain of families that have lost their loved ones. We want to give South African undertakers exposure. We want to applaud their hard and good work that they do for the members of the public.”