Focus on the future – AKA

“We should never forget what the youth of 1976 fought for, but at the same time we need to realise that our struggles are different.”

This is just one of the messages that Forbes wants to share with his fans at a Youth Day celebration which will take place on June 15 at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. He will be joined by fellow rappers Tumi Molekane and Sizwe “Reason” Moeketsi to honour the lives of the students who lost their lives while protesting against Bantu Education 38 years ago.

“Youth Day is an important time for us to think about where we are as the youth of this country. Today we face struggles of identity, skills and employment. All young people want to be successful, and they need help to do so,” says Forbes.

Forbes always dreamed of being a rapper and formed a group called Entity while he was still in high school. After a few years, the group broke up and he was the only one who wanted to pursue a career in music.

Instead of betting on his rap talent alone, he decided to do a course in sound engineering to polish his producing skills. Soon after, he was producing music for the likes of Khuli Chana, Jub Jub, Loyiso Bala and ProVerb.

“I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves and to do whatever is necessary to make their dreams come true. It’s not easy, but if you want it you have to make it happen for yourself,” Forbes says.

“When you’re young, its easy to lose motivation when things don’t work out the first time around. But its important to stay focused on your goals. This is what I try to preach every time I get on stage.”

AKA will perform with Reason and Tumi Molekane at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens on June 15. For more information visit dogreatthings.co.za