Da LES – real name Lesley Momple – has seemingly been forgiven by the family of AKA – or Kiernan Forbes – after being accused of trying to “exploit” the late rapper’s legacy.
This, after the hitmaker’s local clothing brand Amakipkip advertised an unauthorised T-shirt featuring the slain star’s face last month.
In February, Forbes was shot and killed by unknown attackers outside a Durban eatery. No arrests have been made.In a series of Instagram Stories, DA LES revealed how he had been seemingly welcomed back by AKA’s nearest and dearest following the fashion faux pas last month.
The Amakipkip creator posted a pic with the late star’s father Tony Forbes, during a night out this week. He also posted clips of him partying with the rapper’s girlfriend Nadia Nakai.
AKA, Da Les
Image via Instagram: @2freshles
Last month, Da LES courted controversy after he advertised an Amakipkip T-shirt with images of Kiernan. The item was priced at R600.
ALSO READ: ‘Sorry’: Da LES’s company responds to AKA tribute tee backlash
The T-shirt rivals another recent one featuring the rapper’s face from local label Cultish. Unlike Amakipkip, the merchandise was approved by Forbes’s family, with proceeds going directly to them.
Last year, the friends ended their beef at the CottonFest music festival after old allegations Forbes had romantically pursued Da L.E.S’s baby mama Aurea Alexander.After being put on blast by AKA’s brother Steffan Forbes and girlfriend Nadia Nakai as well as the Megacy – the late star’s legion of fans – Amakipkip issued a statement of apology.
It read: “We extend our deepest apologies for any hurt caused by our recent release of a tribute T-shirt for the late rapper AKA, without obtaining consent from the entire family. Our intention was never to cause offense but rather to pay homage to AKA’s legacy and seek justice.
ALSO READ: ‘PR stunt’: Fikile Mbalula dragged over ‘justice for AKA’ tweet
“Regrettably, we underestimated the significance of obtaining consent from the entire AKA Family, and for this oversight, we are truly sorry”
Amakipkip revealed that sales of the T-shirts had been halted.
It added: “We are committed to growing from this experience and to demonstrating more thoughtfulness and sensitivity moving forward.”