AKA on docu-series plans, the SneAKA, DJ Zinhle influencing Levels' sound, All Eyes On Me & Rap Beef

Helen Herimbi presents: i(m)bali LIVE featuring AKA.
For the first i(m)bali LIVE of 2020, South African musician, AKA, spoke to the music journalist in front of a live audience. They discuss:
- How his parents named him Kiernan - and how to pronounce it (02:58)
- Writing his first rhymes (11:19)
- Getting his first record deal (20:00)
- Starting IV League (26:25)
- Meeting PRO (28:22)
- Breaking up IV League (30:15)
- Making the 24/7/366 mixtape (36:19)
- His favourite song on Altar Ego (37:50)
- Working with Khuli Chana and PRO (39:08)
- Taking over Kanye West's on-stage Cube (49:08)
- Meeting DJ Zinhle in Botswana (52:10)
- How DJ Zinhle's house knowledge influenced the making of Levels (53:32)
- His favourite song on Levels (57:12)
- The story behind Sim Dope (57:30)
- Developing a strong relationship with Stogie T (01:04:04)
- Why All Eyes On Me was the last song he recorded on Levels (01:07:30)
- Sitting down with Burna Boy to squash beef (01:10:50)
- Why beef is necessary (01:14:11)
- How Facebook started his beef with L-Tido started (01:14:50)
- Orchestrating a beef club night (01:17:36)
- How he met Cassper Nyovest (01:21:09)
- Getting Anatii to rap in Xhosa (01:24:50)
- Exchanging words with iFani (01:28:13)
- When DJ Zinhle kicked him out of their home (01:31:00)
- When he felt like he first "made it" (01:36:12)
- The formula for women in hip hop to blow up (01:37:18)
- Thoughts on Boity rapping (01:39:40)
- Wedding song formulas (01:44:40)
- The intentions of BEAM Group and why it exploded (01:46:50)
- Returning to Vth Season under different circumstances (01:47:28)
- Collaborating with Reebok on his SneAKA (01:49:40)
- Creating a docu-series (02:00:37)
- What it takes to be a superstar (02:09:20)
- What he wishes he knew when he was starting out (02:13:44)
Filmed at the J&B Hive, Johannesburg.
Shot and edited: Outre.
Sound architect: Kitso Moremi.
Thumbnail image: Dudu Dube
For more information on #imbaliLIVE or to find out how to attend, visit www.helenherimb...
Follow Helen at / uhelenh

[@euniceangula3912]

I honestly re-watch all this videos because I miss his existence. Hoping he would update his status, post himself cooking a funny un-organized meal 😂🤦🏽‍♀️. What a beautiful human he was! 💜🤍♾🕊 No one can silence Kiernan! His music shall comfort us always ♾💜🕊

[@surrmike1]

I also rewatch imagine 😂

[@sibongilechabalala9435]

Man this guy was hella funny🤣🤣🤣 My heart broke when he said he employed all his family😔 May God continue to sustain them even though he's gone now🙏🏽❤

[@Drawingboredi]

He's so human. Makes me realize at some point he just started being an alter ego publically for sure but he's so so so down to earth.

[@lukhanyomgxwati7930]

AKA's energy is unmatched

[@talundizkatyhopho4813]

I think this was the best interview of his... He was very comfortable here. You get to know him after this

[@sihlembatha8544]

I agree. This one and the one he recently did on the sobering podcast 🤘🏽

[@khanyisagura4377]

This is a great interview. It is sooooo genuine and natural. The interviewer is so knowledgeable on the interviewee and "the culture".

[@Axemoxion]

I now understand this guy. I have loved, hated, misunderstood, muted and again loved this guy. This interview explained all the different Aka's we have experienced the hot, selfish, big head, loving, talkative, supportive and no1 Aka. But all through all that you did not change, you made me understand you are a human being after all. I love this guy. I'm studying the game through him. His journey is my case study

[@justmashadi]

The BEST KIERNAN interview ever‼️‼️‼️

[@orlandomadjilajr5027]

no cap

[@katlegokgaye4106]

These are the types of interviews that make you change your perception about someone. Great job ✌🏾✌🏾

[@thasquire_28]

I swear yo!!!

[@finance-talk]

Aka is such an artist. Even when he communicates u catch that he's an artist

[@athimaselana8613]

HAD TO COME BACK TO THIS INTERVIEW..RIP LEGEND

[@whatsmyname1481]

The best AKA’s interview ever! 🔥👌🏿

[@shaungifted013]

The key word for this one is: "TO THIS DAY!!!!" 😂

[@RadBunny2269]

And fuck too.

[@klementina7250]

This interview is everything, LOVE IT♥️

[@user-fy2hj8ko9g]

What a guy,wish I had met him while he was alive to tell him he's a big inspiration to me and I was a big fan of Cassper but now I changed my perceptions and thought s about him and he makes the best songs or made them...,and a big shout out to him❤️🙏#longlive supamega

[@krugaza7610]

“If you take care of your music, the music will take care of you.”

[@siyamdaka3170]

A reece Quote

[@thapelozondo7240]

His so bubbly and honest. This is a great interview !

[@user-gi3se4cr7q]

😊

[@bontle7609]

DJ Zinhle mention begins at 51:30 for nosies like me :)

[@limitlessfifi2534]

✊✊😂😂😂

[@melodympofu5018]

Thank u 😘

[@brightonmukwindidza9627]

52:20

[@singaworamncwana443]

ENKOSI MNTASE

[@Thando_Khumalo]

You're a star Bongi

[@tumelobokgwathile7154]

What an authentic interview, AKA is such a down to earth brilliant artist. His best interview so far

[@sinegugushangase7668]

I loved it too

[@thabontimba5766]

He's high here

[@ayandadavidson7954]

What a beautiful interview. Raw and Uncut!!! He'll be missed 💔

[@mpendulomncube4742]

Miss this man.😂

[@Ebah28]

I am in awe of Kiernan's authenticity..I cannot believe he is no more😟he was a performer of note...this video is just so sad....yes, AkA will never be replaced ...he was just amazing💯❤

[@victormadzedze2494]

Aka is so funny. He is so mature now

[@bolouereopukiri681]

What a sweet sweet sweet boy. God rest his soul! ❤🕊🙏🏽

[@lazarusmonyeki7767]

Long life Supa Mega !!!very informative interview about your brand, music & its very authentic. your energy was top tier. I'm just glad i give you your flowers while you can smell them.

[@calvinmbonani2425]

I literally just saw this interview for the first time now and I'm just blown away, awesome awesome interview 👏

[@rabelanirabs6099]

Yesess I've been trying so hard to hate this guy, but my heart is not buying it, i think it's time i stop this fighting within me and admit that i genuinely love this dude❤️ Best interview ever💞

[@candidconversationpodcast]

"Your job as a musician is to make people feel better" True

[@thandekile1000]

Your interviewing skill is amazing Helen, very conversational and it wasnt the boring Q & A. Amazing!!!!

[@MasterChefToastTV]

Big up AKA and Helen 💯✔️❤️🇿🇦🌍🎶📚💰

[@doneboyremo]

This was dope 🔥 Aka has done a lot for the culture even in the background! Much respect and well done Helen! 🙏🏽

[@silindilemtembu6443]

Bhova is the realist and coolest celeb ever. I stan.

[@bafmkhize1963]

Helen if u ever see this.. Ur so instrumental for this game and this platform is so important plz keep on giving us this golden content 🙏💗

[@nhlanhlazwane9465]

Kiernan down plays everything good about him! Entity was dope, they were great MCs.IVY League was a dope production team. 24/7/366, Alter Ego & Levels were and still are great bodies of work. I'm not going to talk about his personal life.

[@nondumisoHlabathi]

Big up AKA u look so cool and down to earth broe this interview made me look things said about you with a different eye ❤️

[@neo_mohapi]

I really enjoyed this interview. Shucks! So unfiltered and unapologetic.

[@bongani9972]

Salute to the Queen, Helen Herimbi......Great and amazing work!

[@doyouhaveyourtoothbrush6660]

Aka is a once in a life time ✨✨✨ Great interview 👌🏽

[@fortunatebongiwemnisi2530]

I WILL ALWAYS HAVE MUCH LOVE FOR AKA

[@ericricky8460]

A very informed interviewer! Nothing more attractive

[@mashitetshidi5174]

This is the best AKA interview ever where it 90% solely focuses on the music, it reminds me of Drake's rap radar...

[@chilizasanele]

Come on now

[@sizipiwememka3522]

Anele Mdoda and AKA interviews take the cup for me shame, personally. This Helen lady hayiiii 👁

[@zibusisonzimande597]

Well researched, insightful and intentional interview. Great work!

[@Nomadic_lebziga]

The he goes Hungry in the middle, but also Helen is a Beast Journalist love her

[@mongezibuthelezi3926]

What he said towards the end about inner peace is really dope. Wow!!!! "If you generally are a nice person in life then you need to find people around you who will be arseholes."

[@GOAT_ZOTHANI]

This interview should not end😭

[@MeanMaejor]

Amazing interview! Reminds me of the first time I met AKA at his crib for a studio session. Legit Guy!

[@faraipasi5446]

Well Done Mr Forbes . That was a good interview and a Therapy session for him if you noticed.You can be yourself from now on .Birth of a new chapter where your soul has been set free

[@moosesoundsmusic6352]

REAL TALK MA G

[@thabang_sa7806]

This interview is dope, properly clean and funny

[@tha_realflipgod888]

my brother . keep being a inspiration to us . some days i wanna give up on this music shit but then i look back on this interview & the interview of you youngsta & j something . hope we could collab one day .

[@michaelmarule3668]

Good interview, plus you can tell she's a fan

[@Thatoliiiveslong_]

This interview is Top 1!!!

[@AndY-yv7qn]

Tdo anTIDOTe check his interview with scoop makhathini

[@brilliantmbatha-3946]

He is the one sick brother with lot of super sense of humour Super Mega by reason May his spirit live longer Bayede qhawe

[@tanakachiganga3326]

AKA is a comedian Dawg😂😂

[@mondlingubane5963]

1:22:45 was the birth the Energy chorus. Mega from the future. Still can't believe you're gone.

[@loriamokoena8050]

He's in such a good mood in this interview, love it!

[@spikeadam]

aka is such a vibe

[@zwelakhebuso9384]

cant believe i watched the whole thing i was just checking AKA is hard to interview , akalaleli, short attention span he is jus all over the place but it was very captivating nice show i really enjoyed it that time im supposed to be studying or sleeping

[@sihlesele1533]

Thank you Helen for these great interviews guys they are dope man

[@tshabalala7]

You’re amazing Helen! Well done, keep going.

[@penpillage]

Yoh, I came here to watch an interview, then left with respect and a crush on Helen

[@sechabamotloung9203]

This a monumental interview ... RIP SUPER MEGA.

[@mzukulwanakasisnotshuku8840]

This was really dope AKA was relaxed and transparent on this one thank you. This was really dope 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@cumisamajavu1906]

When these guys come together, it's the most beautiful thing. Entertain me for 5 minutes on my drive to work; that's all I need to change my outlook for the entire day with all that we have to worry about going wrong in the world. Music is supposed to heal. Think about the greater good!

[@ellenlawal5293]

Wow what a btfl interview.

[@nhlanhlaramotebele6964]

Rest up Mega 🙏

[@orlandomadjilajr5027]

Helen is such a great interviewer

[@kwanelenomoyi]

Dope interview. Listened to this while I worked and its been super inspiring

[@lloydnodrip2317]

What Cassper said about AKA on Dust to Dust is what woke AKA up.Go back and listen to that song and watch the moves AKA is making.

[@OmphileMaake]

Aka killed this 👏👏

[@kkoketso]

When he said Zimbas 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Rest easy Supamega 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

[@ogonelenong9121]

I miss him so much

[@GOAT_ZOTHANI]

Forbes is a whole Mood.".when i pull up its a good time"

[@ladypeacesekiwe1392]

i like aka sense of humour

[@nokwazishezi7580]

What a character 💔

[@esthermotau9479]

I love AKA#music always on point.

[@1thousand.islands]

This interview has aged well. I like what you did here

[@Therealreplay89]

Thank you for letting us into your world. we You are inspiration for our generation.

[@godfreytshisamphiri8316]

This is one of the best interview i enjoyed from start to finish. I wouldn't mind listening to u guys the whole day.

[@leratoelias793]

AKA is such an entertainer. You can tell he really LOOOOOVES music.

[@SweetDogg777]

Missed this Gig in Braam. RIP

[@brianmoshoma443]

You'll go down as the greatest ever not one of the greats but the greatest

[@siyavuyambuli284]

Inoba pha kowenu

[@lukhanyonopote7606]

helen you are amazing,this was really dope oko siyibukele aphe khaya we ended up being late for a soccer practice

[@sindiswasheleni262]

Love you AKA.

[@iRat3Rodney]

Amazing Interview 🔥🔥🔥🔥🚀🚀🚀. Thank you 🙏🏽🌹

[@bafanamhlanga1149]

You gave him flowers while he can still smell them

[@DinoRenald]

Damn... Helen possesses so much knowledge!

[@chilizasanele]

I can relate to this guy, hides behind a huge ego, got Dad issues, always craved attention, now he got money, ain't no one can tell him shit.

[@mollynaidoo1308]

OMG....ICON💯❤INSPIRATION FR ALL

[@pablomogosi8712]

People really did snaai him in the end, rest easy mega

[@princedinyake9701]

Please interview ByLwansta next! He is probably one of the best rappers in my books, got hooked since the Libdiwe on Colors! God bless.

[@zinathimkuzo6260]

Oh my goat 🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@tshepomotaung7102]

Well done Helen super dope interview. AKA keep doing your shit big fan

[@SiphehZ]

He's all over the place. I don't know how ya'll finished.

[@OmphileMaake]

This channel is so cool 😎

[@nkululekongantweni5129]

Too much

[@matanato01]

I LOVE AKA!!!!!!1

[@segwatimadisha7690]

This is Brilliant, Dankie Bhova

[@BLNKTonlyngubesizwe]

New to this channel and I love it already 🥺

[@OmphileMaake]

AKA GIVES SUCH GREAT ADVICE 👏👏🔥🔥

[@lekis5975]

@Omphile Maake You can tell he was a thinker. Sometimes, he got slack and got himself into trouble, but at his best, he was good at meditating, reflecting fundamentally, self awareness and being intentional was important for him.

[@cimzaafriika6912]

He was high here🤣

[@wandisamagudulela5828]

Dope interview

[@NKULULEKO.]

Thank you for this. 🙏🏽