Johannesburg, South Africa – October 4, 2025 – In a raw and revealing interview, South African TV host and rapper Nadia Nakai has shared her firm decision to steer clear of dating anyone in the entertainment spotlight, particularly fellow rappers, following the heartbreaking loss of her late partner, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
The 33-year-old media personality, known for her vibrant presence on shows like Young, Famous & African, opened up to Fresh Men Magazine about the profound impact of AKA’s tragic death in February 2023. Shot outside a Durban restaurant just before his 35th birthday, the award-winning rapper’s murder left Nakai not only mourning a soulmate but also navigating an onslaught of public scrutiny that she now vows to avoid at all costs.
“I will not date another rapper or anybody in the [entertainment] industry ever again. I never want to do that again. I want to have a very private relationship,” Nakai stated candidly in the interview, published earlier this week. Her words stem from the emotional toll of grieving in the public eye, where every airport encounter and social media comment became a painful reminder of her loss.
Recalling a particularly harrowing moment, Nakai described the exhaustion of explaining her devastation to strangers: “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, no, I’ll never date a rapper or anybody in the public eye.” The betrayal she felt from the relentless exposure has reshaped her approach to love, prioritizing privacy over the glamour of high-profile romance.
Nakai’s relationship with AKA, which blossomed publicly in 2020, was a whirlwind of passion and collaboration, including joint tracks and red-carpet moments that captivated fans. But the rapper’s untimely death—still under investigation with ongoing court proceedings—exposed the darker side of fame’s glare. In the months since, Nakai has channeled her grief into music, releasing tributes like her emotional track honoring AKA, while leaning on friends such as Bianca Naidoo, widow of the late rapper Riky Rick, for support.
This isn’t the first time Nakai has reflected on love’s fragility post-AKA. In 2023, she admitted to swearing off romance altogether, telling News24, “I’m never doing it again,” as the void left by her partner felt insurmountable. Nearly three years later, her latest comments signal a shift toward healing on her own terms, emphasizing self-protection in a male-dominated industry where she’s carved out her own lane as a hip-hop artist.
Fans have rallied around Nakai’s declaration, flooding social media with messages of empathy and encouragement. “She’s protecting her peace—respect,” one supporter tweeted, while others shared stories of their own heartbreaks in the public eye. As investigations into AKA’s killing continue, Nakai’s resolve stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the headlines.
Nakai, who recently navigated another personal blow—a trusted associate allegedly stealing and renting out her car without permission—remains focused on her career, including upcoming music projects. For now, love takes a backseat to a life shielded from the spotlight she once shared so freely.