South African television personality and rapper Nadia Nakai has revealed that she will never again date another rapper — or anyone in the entertainment industry. In an emotional and candid interview with Fresh Men Magazine, the award-winning artist opened up about the devastating impact of losing her late boyfriend, hip-hop star Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, and how it has profoundly shaped her outlook on love, privacy, and healing.
The tragedy of AKA’s death in February 2023 continues to linger for Nadia Nakai . She said the heartbreak has not only altered her perspective on relationships but has also instilled in her a deep need for privacy in her personal life. “I will not date another rapper or anybody in the [entertainment] industry ever again,” Nadia Nakai declared.
She explained her reasoning with heartfelt honesty: “I want to have a very private relationship. I don’t want it to be public because if he had to die, that experience was terrible for me. I didn’t like having to explain my pain to strangers at the airport. I don’t want to explain nonsense to people on social media. So, I will never date a rapper or anybody in the public eye.”
For Nadia Nakai , the trauma of losing AKA was not only about grief — it was about the exposure that followed. In the months after his death, the pain of mourning was compounded by constant public scrutiny and media intrusion. She spoke of the difficulty of processing such a personal tragedy under the glare of public attention.
“That loss has changed how I see love,” she said. “I realised I need to protect my peace. I don’t want my relationships to be exposed to the world, to become topics of gossip or speculation. It’s not something I want to go through again.”
Nadia Nakai Vows to Avoid Dating Rappers and Celebrities After Loss of AKA
AKA, one of South Africa’s most celebrated hip-hop artists, was tragically shot dead outside a Durban restaurant on February 10, 2023. The musician was in the city for a scheduled nightclub performance when two assailants approached and opened fire at close range.
The incident shocked fans across Africa and beyond, sparking an outpouring of grief within the music industry. Known for his talent, charisma, and contribution to South African hip-hop culture, AKA’s death was widely believed to be a targeted attack. Police investigations led to several arrests, but questions remain as the case continues to unfold.
For Nadia Nakai , the loss was deeply personal. She has described her grief as a journey that continues every day, and one that has reshaped her understanding of love and life. “Losing him was something I could never prepare for. It was devastating,” she told Fresh Men Magazine. “Even now, it still hurts. But I’ve learned I need to protect myself emotionally.”
Nadia’s vow to avoid future relationships with public figures comes from her experience of having to share intimate pain with strangers. She explained that being in a relationship with someone in the entertainment industry brings an unavoidable level of exposure. “Everything becomes public,” she said. “From our love to our struggles. There is no privacy. That’s something I can’t accept anymore.”
She continued: “It’s not about closing my heart to love. I just want it to be shielded from public opinion. I want my relationships to be for me, not for the internet to dissect.”
This perspective reflects a shift from her earlier approach to love and life. Nadia Nakai once embraced the visibility that came with being part of the entertainment world, but after the tragedy with AKA, she has become more protective of her personal life.
“I’ve learned the hard way that peace comes from boundaries,” she said. “I can’t put myself in that vulnerable position again. That chapter of my life taught me the value of keeping certain things sacred.
While Nadia Nakai remains focused on her music career and other professional pursuits, her comments signal a new chapter in her personal life — one defined by discretion, self-preservation, and a commitment to protecting her emotional wellbeing.
Her story also serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by public figures whose private lives are subject to constant scrutiny. Nadia’s decision is not just personal, but a stance against the loss of privacy that comes with celebrity relationships.
For her, the memory of AKA will always remain deeply significant, shaping not just her outlook on love, but also her life going forward. “He will always have a special place in my heart,” she said softly. “But I’ve chosen a different path now — one where my heart can heal without the weight of the world watching.”
As Nadia Nakai steps forward, her message is clear: some chapters end so that new ones can begin, and for her, the next one will be private, intentional, and protected.
Source-thenationonlineng
