On the Engineer Your Life podcast episode aired on 21 July 2026, model and actress Nicole Nyaba discussed her previous relationship with the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, attempting to address misconceptions surrounding one of South Africa’s prominent celebrity relationships.
Nicole Nyaba responds to side-chick accusations
Defying the assumptions held by many fans, Nicole asserted that she was never merely a side partner to the Fela in Versace artist. She believed during their time together in 2017 that she was his only girlfriend.
Upon the conclusion of their relationship, it was not a case of being blindsided. Nicole remembered that AKA had a direct conversation with her, informing her that he had begun dating someone else, which he felt was necessary for him as a man. She reflected on how difficult that was for her to understand at the time.
In 2018, while processing her heartbreak, she and a friend visited AKA on his birthday. During that encounter, he expressed that he had loved her in the best way he understood and seemed genuinely puzzled about the breakdown of their relationship.
After their split, AKA rekindled his romance with his child’s mother, DJ Zinhle.
He subsequently engaged in several prominent relationships, including his time with Nadia Nakai and his engagement to Anele Tembe, which ended tragically.
Moving past resentment
Nicole acknowledged that the aftermath of their relationship was challenging. She confessed there was a period when she was filled with anger and unable to enjoy his music.
“There was a moment where I was full of anger, and I couldn’t stand him or his music, for years.”
However, time brought a shift in her perspective. She indicated that as she grew older, she made a deliberate decision to release her bitterness and cherish the positive experiences they shared.
“Nowadays, when I think of him, I’m reminded of how caring and loving he was. I think about the good things we did together and the things we had in common.”
The most painful aspect of the relationship, she revealed, was not only its ending after all her efforts but also the hurt experienced during a deeply vulnerable time in her life. She had been in mourning for her mother, and the expectation that her partner would provide support rather than cause her pain intensified her grief.
When news broke in February 2023 about AKA’s murder outside a restaurant in Durban, Nicole reported having mixed feelings.
“I didn’t want to hear it; it was too much for me to deal with at the time. I was in another relationship, and there was a lot happening in that relationship, so when I read about it, I was like, ‘I’m still mad at this guy, but at the same time, I don’t wanna hear it, please don’t tell me what’s going on in his life.’
You can view Nicole Nyaba’s interview below.
Nicole Nyaba reportedly joins Shembe Church
In a previous report, Briefly News provided insights into the reactions on social media regarding Nicole Nyaba’s transformation from her previous lifestyle, as she has apparently sought fulfillment within the church.
Social media users actively discussed the former slay queen’s change, with some questioning her motivations.
Source: Briefly News
