Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes. Picture: Instagram
Although it has been almost 2 years since the tragic and unexpected death of Kiernan Forbes, who was affectionately known as AKA, the legacy, which he creatively coined as ‘The Megacy’ continues to live on. In an effort to keep the Megacy alive, Reebok has announced that they will release the ‘SneAKA 2.0’.
Coming together with the Forbes family, Reebok is set to honour AKA, who had become one of the most influential artists in South Africa with a second sneaker. The announcement comes as no surprise as AKA had signed a deal with the popular brand, where he released his custom sneaker. According to the footwear brand, the ‘SneAKA 2.0’ will a have a “fusion of style, creativity, and passion.”
“Today, we’re humbled to celebrate this milestone by introducing the SneAKA 2.0, crafted in collaboration with the Forbes family to honour AKA’s enduring legacy,” their caption reads.
Due to the controversy that erupted where Supamega called Reebok out for not holding up their end of their sneaker deal, some of his supporters have voiced their concern regarding this collaboration. According to AKA’s supporters, the brand’s actions seem performative, given they treated the him the way they did when he was still alive.
“It’s insane how people are still using his name and fan base to continue making money. Let Super Mega rest in peace for real. Y’all can block me if you like. But this is just…” one user commented.
Coming to their defense, Reebok responded by reiterating that AKA’s family had been extensively invlolved throughout the process, furthermore, all the proceeds will go to Kiernan’s foundation and family. “One hundred percent of the proceeds are going to The Kiernan Forbes Foundation and AKA’s daughter, Kairo; our goal is to honour, not profit,” Reebok’s response read.
Lynn Forbes, who is Kiernan’s mother also came to Reebok’s defense by emphasising the fact that by the time he died, AKA and Reebok had ironed their differences out. Furthermore, AKA had always emphasised that a deal of this nature was something he always wanted for his legacy.
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