Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, famously known as AKA, is a name synonymous with South African hip-hop. Over the course of his illustrious career, AKA redefined the sound of local hip-hop, blending international production with African influences and creating a unique sound that resonated across borders. His unparalleled lyricism, catchy hooks, and masterful production made him a chart-topping artist, while his ability to inject personal experiences into his music allowed him to connect deeply with fans.
From his early rise to fame to his final projects, AKA’s albums have been a soundtrack to South Africa’s modern cultural narrative. They’re filled with bangers that set dancefloors alight, as well as introspective tracks that delve into his personal struggles, triumphs, and reflections on fame, success, and life. Each album in his discography offers something new—an evolution of sound, perspective, and artistry.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 3 AKA albums of all time. These projects not only defined AKA’s career but also played a pivotal role in shaping the South African music industry.
Join us as we dive into the defining moments, iconic tracks, and lasting impact of AKA’s most celebrated works—an essential guide to understanding the brilliance of one of South Africa’s greatest musical legends.
1. Touch My Blood (2018)
Defining Tracks: “Fela in Versace,” “Jika,” “Caiphus Song,” “Fully In”
Touch My Blood stands as one of AKA’s most personal and commercially successful albums. Released in 2018, this project allowed fans to see a more vulnerable side of AKA as he reflected on fame, relationships, and his personal journey. The album was an important milestone in his career, showing an artist who was not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
The standout track, “Fela in Versace,” which featured Nigerian producer Kiddominant, was a cross-cultural masterpiece, blending afrobeat with hip-hop and showcasing AKA’s love for African music icons like Fela Kuti. The song dominated airwaves across Africa, becoming a massive hit.
On “Jika,” featuring Yanga Chief, AKA took a more mellow, romantic approach, creating a laid-back vibe that resonated with listeners. The song’s theme of love and devotion, paired with its smooth production, became a fan favorite.
Touch My Blood was more than just an album; it was a statement. AKA had reached a new level of maturity, both as an artist and as a person. From party hits to reflective ballads, the album perfectly balanced different sounds, making it one of his most well-rounded projects.
2. Levels (2014)
Defining Tracks: “Jealousy,” “Congratulate,” “Kontrol,” “Run Jozi (Godly)”
Levels is widely regarded as the album that catapulted AKA into the spotlight, not just in South Africa but across the continent. Released in 2014, the album’s fusion of international production styles with a distinctly South African flavor made it a standout in the local hip-hop scene.
The hit singles “Jealousy” and “Kontrol” featuring Da L.E.S became instant anthems, showcasing AKA’s signature sound—catchy, confident, and full of swagger. “Congratulate” was a celebration of AKA’s success, delivering infectious melodies and introspective lyrics about his rise to fame.
One of the album’s most iconic tracks, “Run Jozi (Godly)” featuring K.O, further cemented AKA’s dominance in the South African rap game. The song was a raw, gritty anthem for Johannesburg, combining hard-hitting beats with powerful lyrics about the city’s hustle and energy.
With Levels, AKA mastered the art of creating chart-topping hits while staying true to his roots. The album’s success proved his versatility and solidified his place as one of the best in the game.
3. Mass Country (2023)
Defining Tracks: “Company,” “Lemons (Lemonade),” “Prada,” “Sponono”
Mass Country, AKA’s final album released in 2023, was a deeply emotional project, completed just before his untimely passing. The album pays homage to his South African roots while exploring various genres, from hip-hop to amapiano and afrobeat, creating a rich and diverse listening experience.
One of the standout tracks, “Lemons (Lemonade)” featuring Nasty C, was a celebration of life, with uplifting lyrics and a catchy, amapiano-influenced beat. The song highlights AKA’s ability to adapt to evolving trends in the South African music scene while maintaining his signature style.
“Company,” a collaboration with Nigerian superstar KDDO, brought international flair to the album, fusing African rhythms with sleek production. The song captured AKA’s pan-African vision, blending different cultural influences into a cohesive sound.
“Prada,” featuring Khuli Chana, was another highlight, combining nostalgic elements of classic hip-hop with a modern twist, while “Sponono” took a more soulful approach, showcasing AKA’s versatility as a musician.
Mass Country serves as a fitting farewell to AKA’s illustrious career. It’s an album that celebrates life, love, and music, all while reflecting the influence of South African culture on his sound. Despite the heartbreak surrounding his passing, this album remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
AKA’s influence on South African music is undeniable, and these three albums—Touch My Blood, Levels, and Mass Country—showcase his growth as an artist and his impact on the hip-hop scene. From the introspection of Touch My Blood, to the global appeal of Levels, and the deeply emotional journey of Mass Country, AKA’s music will continue to inspire fans for generations to come. Each album reflects different stages of his life and career, proving that AKA was not just a rapper, but a storyteller who used his platform to elevate South African music on the world stage.
