Famed South African photographer Marc-Gregory has paid tribute to Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes by releasing new portraits of the rapper taken before his death.

AKA was shot and killed on 10 February outside a popular restaurant in Durban.

Following his death over a month ago, Marc-Gregory released images and behind-the-scenes videos of AKA during a photo shoot in February 2021 – two years before his death.

"I reached out to Kiernan in December 2019, and he immediately agreed to be involved," Marc-Gregory tells News24.

When asked what his experience working with the rapper was, the photographer uses one word – "intense".

Marc-Gregory adds that the rapper settled down when they conducted the post-photo shoot interview.

"It was like AKA had left the room, and Kiernan had taken his place," he continues. "Kiernan was thoughtful, calm, and vulnerable. It was here that I got to appreciate the two sides to him."

Click 'read more' to see and find out more about the portraits.