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| (Image source: ZALebs |
Local hip-hop streetwear brand AmaKipKip has issued a response following criticism over the sale of T-shirts featuring images of the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes without proper authorization. The controversy emerged when AKA's younger brother, Steffan Forbes, publicly called out the brand on Instagram for their actions. Steffan's comment, "No shame @amakipkipstore," drew attention to the unauthorized merchandise.
The audacity for @AmakipkipGlobal to make this announcement without the family’s approval let alone consulting with them first proves their business ethics are questionable & these stunts will not be tolerated by the MEGACY! pic.twitter.com/3qBKWllN15
— BHOVARESS (@RubuThulisa) August 7, 2023
The situation gained further traction when long-time AKA fan Rubu Thulisa shared a screenshot of the merchandise announcement on Twitter, criticizing the brand's lack of consultation with the family and questioning their business ethics. In response to the backlash, Nadia Nakai, another prominent figure in the South African music scene, expressed her disapproval, referring to a similar T-shirt worn by rapper Da LES.
Statement regarding @akaworldwide Tribute Tees.
— AMAKIPKIP (@AmakipkipGlobal) August 8, 2023
We would like to publicly apologise to Lynn, Tony, Stefan Forbes, The AKA Family, The Megacy, Our Fans & General Public. pic.twitter.com/Z9W84Vsh7O
AmaKipKip subsequently released a public statement addressing the concerns and apologizing to the Forbes family, AKA's fans, and the wider public. In the statement, the brand acknowledged their mistake in releasing a tribute T-shirt without obtaining consent from the entire family. They clarified that their intention was to pay homage to AKA's legacy and honor his profound impact on the music industry.
The brand pointed out that tributes to icons are a longstanding tradition in hip-hop culture, citing examples like 2Pac and Biggie. However, they admitted to underestimating the significance of obtaining consent from the entire AKA family and acknowledged that their actions did not align with the respect AKA's memory deserves.
AmaKipKip announced that they have taken immediate action by discontinuing the sale of the unauthorized tribute T-shirts. They also committed to conducting a thorough review of their procedures to ensure that their future endeavors consistently uphold values such as empathy, integrity, and the authentic honoring of legacies. Source: IOL
