Rapper AKA was tragically gunned down outside a restaurant in Durban. (Courtesy).

South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes also known as ‘AKA’ was shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on Friday night, multiple media sources have confirmed.

According to The Guardian, AKA was targeted in a drive-by shooting by two unidentified cars.

A friend of AKA was also shot dead and another man believed to be the rapper’s bodyguard was wounded.

Police in the province have not officially commented on the incident, as reported by South African news channel IOL. It is however reported that AKA was standing outside Wish Restaurant in Durban when he was gunned down.

AKA was due to perform at a Durban night club, where he was expected to celebrate his birthday.

He was born and raised in Cape Town and rose to prominence with the release of his single “Victory Lap,” which was featured on his debut album Altar Ego in 2011.

In his career, he had done several collaborations with notable artistes including Burna Boy, J’Somthing and Sarkodie among others.