AKA’s Five-Star Funeral Named ‘Funeral of the Year’ at National Awards

The legacy of slain rapper AKA – real name Kiernan Forbes – continues to echo across South Africa. This time, it’s through a surprising win at the inaugural National Funeral Business Awards, where his opulent send-off was crowned “Funeral of the Year.”

Hosted at Durban ICC and sponsored by FNB, the awards aimed to shine a light on excellence in South Africa’s R10 billion funeral industry. And standing tall among them all was Broodie Funeral Parlour, based in Soshanguve.

Broodie’s luxury farewell for AKA in 2023, complete with a BMW motorcade, custom casket, and a transparent hearse trailer, won them two top accolades – “Best Service Funeral Company of the Year” and “Funeral of the Year.”

Honouring a Legacy, Not Just a Life

Speaking to the media, CEO Morongwa Broodie described the honour as deeply humbling.

“From the casket, flowers, and choice of venue to the cars, everything was selected to speak of his legacy. We told the story of AKA – the father, the artist, the visionary, the fighter. This was about more than saying goodbye; it was about cementing his place in history,” Broodie said.

The funeral procession ended at Heroes’ Acre in West Park Cemetery, a symbolic site for one of South Africa’s most beloved musical talents.

Despite the tragic backdrop of AKA’s murder in Durban just two years ago, Broodie’s attention to detail and care for the grieving family and fans stood out. And it didn’t go unnoticed by the industry.

Not Without Controversy

However, the awards did raise a few eyebrows on social media. Many questioned whether awarding funeral services might appear tone-deaf, considering the solemn nature of death.

But Muzi Hlengwa, CEO of the National Funeral Business Awards, offered a heartfelt response:

“We are not celebrating death. We are recognising the care rendered during people’s most painful moments. It’s about acknowledging the emotional labour of undertakers who help families say goodbye with dignity and grace.”

Hlengwa further noted that funeral professionals deserve respect, visibility, and honour for the roles they play in South African society.

A Bigger Conversation

The recognition of AKA’s funeral is not just a moment of pride for Broodie, but also a spotlight on how the business of funerals intersects with culture, grief, and remembrance. Whether seen as tacky or tasteful, it opens up conversations about how we choose to honour our icons.

What are your thoughts on funerals being awarded? Is it a celebration of care or a step too far?

{Source: The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com