Nigerian rapper, Ice Prince Zamani, has revealed that he is still deeply pained by the death of South African hip-hop star, AKA, because the two never got the chance to settle a misunderstanding before the latter’s untimely passing.
Speaking on a recent episode of the G2G Podcast, Ice Prince disclosed that the rift between them dated back to 2019, when South Africa was engulfed in waves of xenophobic violence that left scores of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, attacked.
At the time, AKA had made a series of controversial comments on social media that were interpreted as anti-Nigerian.
“I wish we got to speak about it because we never. And it hurt me so bad because that’s my friend,” Ice Prince said in an emotional recollection. “AKA wasn’t just an artist that I collaborated with. He has been to my house in Lagos a couple of times. That’s my friend. It did hurt me that we never got to settle that misunderstanding.”
During the 2019 crisis, tensions between Nigerians and South Africans escalated after online debates turned toxic. AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, was among the high-profile figures accused of fanning the flames with some of his tweets. Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Ycee, and Ice Prince responded strongly at the time.
Ice Prince admitted that in calling out AKA on social media, the situation created an impression that they had fallen out as enemies. However, he insisted that it was not personal. “It was Twitter. It was a misunderstanding. We never really got to sit down and clear the air,” he explained.
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Before the fallout, Ice Prince and AKA enjoyed a close friendship and had collaborated on multiple songs that helped strengthen the cultural bridge between Nigerian and South African hip-hop.
Their most popular collaboration, “N Word (Remix)”, released in 2013, became an African rap anthem, receiving heavy rotation across the continent. The duo also performed together on several occasions and were often pictured at industry events.
“He wasn’t just a colleague; he was someone who had been in my space, shared meals, and shared moments,” Ice Prince said, underscoring the depth of their personal bond.
Ice Prince said he has since sought God’s forgiveness for not reconciling with AKA before his death. The Nigerian rapper admitted that the unresolved rift still weighs heavily on him, though he finds some comfort in prayer.
“But I have prayed about it so many times. I still see him in my prayers. Sometimes, when I’m praying I see him there. So, I know we are at peace. I know he looks out for me as one of my homeboys in heaven,” he said.
AKA was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023, in what South African police described as a targeted assassination. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the African music industry, with tributes pouring in from artists, fans, and dignitaries alike.
The award-winning rapper was preparing to perform at a nightclub when he was ambushed by unknown gunmen. His longtime friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, was also killed in the attack.
The murder trial remains ongoing in South Africa, as prosecutors seek justice for the fallen rapper, whose death left a void in the continent’s hip-hop scene.
For Ice Prince, AKA’s passing has become a painful reminder about the importance of mending broken friendships while there is still time. “I have learned that we should always make an effort to resolve conflicts, especially with those we love. You never know what tomorrow holds,” he reflected.
Despite the regret, Ice Prince continues to honor AKA’s memory by celebrating their bond and legacy through his music and prayers.
Their story is a reminder that beyond the beats and lyrics, artists often share real human connections that transcend borders. For Ice Prince, the loss is not just about the music they made together, but the brotherhood that death cut short.
