AKA and Costa Titch score Afrimma nominations

The 10th African Muzik Magazine Awards (Afrimma) have announced their nominees, and among them are two late rappers who left a lasting legacy in the African music scene: AKA and Costa Titch. The awards ceremony, which celebrates the best and brightest talents from across the continent, will take place on September 17 at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center, Texas.

Costa Titch: A rising star gone too soon

Costa Titch, who hailed from Mpumalanga, was only 28 years old when he collapsed and died while performing at the Ultra Music Festival at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre on March 11. He was known for his energetic and versatile style, blending hip hop, kwaito, and amapiano. He had collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as AKA, Riky Rick, Boity, and DJ Maphorisa. He had also released his debut album Made in Africa in 2020, which received critical acclaim and commercial success.

Costa Titch has been nominated for three Afrimma awards: Best Male Southern Africa, Best Collaboration and Video of the Year. The collaboration and video nominations are for his hit song Nkalakatha (Remix), which featured AKA and Riky Rick.

AKA: A legend in his own right

AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, was one of the most influential and respected rappers in South Africa and beyond. He had a prolific career that spanned over a decade, releasing five studio albums and numerous singles that topped the charts and won awards. He was also a producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who supported various causes and initiatives.

AKA was shot dead outside a Durban restaurant on February 10, in what was suspected to be a targeted attack. He was 34 years old. His fans and fellow artists mourned his tragic death and paid tribute to his legacy.

AKA has been nominated for two Afrimma awards: Best Male Southern Africa and Album of the Year. The album nomination is for his posthumous album Mass Country, which was released in April 2023 and featured collaborations with artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, Nasty C, and Sho Madjozi.

AKA also recently won big at the Metro FM Music Awards, taking home four trophies: Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Hip Hop Artist and Best Male Artist. His record label executive Raphael Benza told TshisaLIVE that this was the late rapper’s biggest musical accomplishment.

“It’s reaffirming to see what a brand and music legend he has become. Coming home as the biggest winner at Metro FM awards again after 12 years was part of his milestones when we started the Album project three years ago.

I feel he is smiling down on us and bragging as usual to the good legends with him. It’s still hard not to hear and see him do it … This might be his biggest music project ever.”

The full list of Afrimma nominees

The Afrimma awards have 27 categories that cover different genres, regions, and aspects of African music. Some of the other nominees include Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz, Tiwa Savage, Master KG, Omah Lay, Tems, Focalistic, Gyakie, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, and Angelique Kidjo.