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WATCH: J’Something celebrates AKA’s legacy with emotional cover of 'Congratulate'

Lutho Pasiya|Published

J’Something pays tribute to AKA with a soulful cover of his 2014 hit “Congratulate".

Image: X

If you follow J’Something on social media, you may have seen him post impressive covers of popular songs.

And he's done it again with his latest being a rendition of AKA’s 2014 hit “Congratulate”.

AKA, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, passed away on February 10, 2023, at the age of 35.

He was shot outside a restaurant in Durban. Investigations confirmed that his death was a targeted attack, and several suspects have been arrested. The case is still ongoing. 

In the video caption, J'Something wrote: “I miss you, dude. The lack of your physical presence is so felt … to many and to so many others. Thank you for the music and above all, the friendship. You’re still so alive in so many ways. Long live SUPA MEGA long live.”

AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, reacted to the cover, writing: “This gives me goosebumps and has literally made my day! Thank you, J.

"Thank you for being a real friend to Kiernan and for keeping his legacy alive in a way that honours, preserves, and protects his memory. I have no doubts this carries his stamp of approval. What an absolute treat for the Megacy.”

The team behind the Kiernan Forbes Foundation added: “Sharing this project, which @jsomethingmusic worked on over a year ago for no reason other than celebrating a friend, perfectly reflects the level of excellence that is @akaworldwide.

"Asking for nothing in return, J decided that today felt like the perfect day to share this very special tribute with @the.megacy. Thank you so much!”

Fans also shared their reactions.

Simply Veev wrote: “Live Long King Forbes. It still hurts. It is still hard to believe.”

Zintle Mrengqwa said that AKA’s absence is felt everywhere and described the rendition as beautiful.

“Congratulate” was the third single from AKA’s second studio album, “Levels”. The song was a major hit in South Africa, debuting at number one on several local radio stations and reaching number two on the country’s official music chart.

It is a celebratory track reflecting on AKA’s journey to success, his personal milestones, and the sacrifices he made along the way.

The music video won the Most Gifted Hip Hop award at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards, and the single was later certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa in May 2015.