Burna Boy: My Conflict With AKA Was Settled Before His Passing

Nigerian artist Burna Boy has disclosed that the longstanding disagreement with the late South African rapper AKA was resolved before his untimely death.

He shared this personal insight in a heartfelt birthday tribute on Instagram, commemorating AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes. In his message, Burna Boy reflected on their journey from a public feud to a private reconciliation, expressing regret that their improved relationship did not lead to any musical collaboration or projects they had discussed.

The conflict began in 2019 amid a tense atmosphere marked by xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Burna Boy had reacted strongly to suggestions that AKA had supported the attacks, leading to heated exchanges and threats that exacerbated the divide between them, which was visible to fans.

According to Burna Boy, time and private conversations helped to ease tensions. Away from the public eye, they communicated through direct messages and worked through their differences. This reconciliation was subtle and largely overlooked by fans and those in the industry.

Reflecting on the situation, Burna Boy called the fallout preventable and expressed regret about it. Although peace and mutual understanding were achieved before AKA’s passing, he lamented that they were unable to fully reconnect or collaborate creatively as they had hoped.

AKA was tragically shot outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023, and investigations into his murder are still ongoing.

Despite his death, AKA’s influence as a prominent figure in South African hip-hop remains, and Burna Boy continues to promote African music on a global platform.

Burna Boy wishes AKA a posthumous happy birthday. He said they squashed their beef before he passed away. pic.twitter.com/g2JzqjZkMx

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) January 29, 2026