Reebok, in collaboration with the family of South African hip-hop legend Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, is set to release The SneAKA 2.0 — a special edition sneaker that celebrates both the iconic original collaboration and the lasting influence of one of Africa’s most influential artists.
Dropping on November 16, 2024, this limited-edition release features just 1,000 pairs, promising to capture the attention of sneakerheads, hip-hop enthusiasts, and fans across South Africa.
The SneAKA 2.0 retains the signature Classic Leather silhouette that made the original sneaker a standout. Crafted in chalk-colored garment leather, it features the bold cheetah-print insole, crisp white sole, and red heel stub that sneaker fans have come to love. Yet, this iteration comes with two meaningful updates that were close to AKA’s heart:
- The South African Flag now replaces the traditional Union Jack, making The SneAKA 2.0 the first Reebok sneaker to feature another nation’s flag.
- AKA’s handwritten initials, “KJF”, are embroidered on the rear left heel, complemented by reflective 3M accents, symbolizing the energy and light he brought into the world.
PJ Morilly, Brand Director of Reebok South Africa, highlighted the significance of these updates:
“One of the things Kiernan really wanted was the South African flag on the SneAKA. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible back in 2019, but with The SneAKA 2.0, we’ve finally made that wish a reality. This is a huge win for him, his fans, and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Kiernan’s family and collaborators played a key role in bringing this release to life, ensuring it reflects his vision and spirit. Tony Forbes, AKA’s father, shared:
“When Reebok and Kiernan came together, it wasn’t just about a product. There was a shared ethos of pushing boundaries, and I see The SneAKA 2.0 as a continuation of that, honoring the work he did and the vision he had.”
The launch also addresses the 2020 Twitter controversy surrounding royalties from the original SneAKA 1.0 release. Morilly clarified:
“Kiernan was paid a substantial retainer, not a royalty, which was part of the original deal. Despite the noise around it, Kiernan and Reebok worked out their differences, and we had committed to future collaborations before his tragic passing.”
All profits from The SneAKA 2.0 will go directly to the Forbes family to support the upbringing of AKA’s daughter, Kairo, with a portion allocated to the Kiernan Forbes Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing emerging South African talent. Lynn Forbes, AKA’s mother, said:
“This is a beautiful celebration of Kiernan’s life and legacy. He would have been incredibly proud of this release, and I know Kairo will look back one day and feel that pride, too.”
To celebrate the drop, Reebok will roll out a series of seven mini-episodes on social media, offering fans an intimate look at the creative process behind The SneAKA 2.0. Featuring interviews with AKA’s family, friends, and collaborators, the series highlights the sneaker’s evolution and the enduring impact of AKA’s vision.
The SneAKA 2.0 will be available online at Reebok.co.za and at select stores, including Reebok Canal Walk, Archive, Shesha, Sneaker District, Sportscene, and Studio 88, priced at R2,799. With only 1,000 pairs in circulation, this release is expected to sell out fast — making it a true collector’s item and a fitting tribute to a South African icon.
