One of South Africa's most well-known rappers was assassinated outside a restaurant in the city of Durban in the country's southeast.

Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, was assassinated alongside his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane on Friday, just before he was set to perform on stage.

🚨 A Video has emerged online and shows how South Africa rapper AKA was shot.

This was a planned operation. So sad 😞 pic.twitter.com/KDftJ4P38S

— Efozzy (@Efozzymomoh1) February 11, 2023

According to police, the men were walking away from a restaurant when they were approached by armed suspects and shot at point-blank range.

The 35-year-old rapper won several South African awards, was nominated for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the United States several times and was nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award once.

"It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son," his parents Tony and Lynn Forbes said in a statement posted on AKA's Instagram account. 'Our son was loved, and he gave love in return.'

*WARNING VIDEO IS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE*The moment rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on Florida Road on Friday night. Standing outside the Wish Restaurant#RIPAKA #RipLegend #CCTV Revenge Zinhle Zulus Anele Rapper AKA Baba Nadia Da Les Delete pic.twitter.com/0iwHAsrrwi

— South Africa Uncensored (@sauncensored123) February 11, 2023

"They were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range," police said in a statement.

The father-of-one was booked to perform at a club Friday night, according to Durban city mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda.

The motive of the shooting is unknown, and police are investigating.