"Painful to watch" — Young, Famous & African fans react to Nadia talking about AKA's passing

Young, Famous & African released season 3 on Netflix on January 17, 2025. It saw the cast members discussing their private and emotional struggles in addition to professional ventures.

Among them was Nadia, who broke down reminiscing about her partner Kiernan "AKA" Forbes' death. She opened up about her emotional state, revealing that she was on "suicide watch" after his passing. AKA was a musician and record producer who passed away in 2023. His death emotionally impacted Nadia, who struggled to cope with the loss.

In episode 4, Who Rules the Jungle? Khanyi visited Nadia to check in on her, claiming that she knew she was not okay and was "hanging by an eyelash." Khanyi's hunch proved to be right, as Nadia began crying upon seeing her.

While reflecting on AKA and his absence, Nadia stated:

"My person's gone. So, it's difficult."

Young, Famous & African fans took to X to comment on Nadia's emotional conversation with Khanyi about AKA. While many sympathized with Nadia and hoped she could heal from her grief, others praised her for expressing her vulnerabilities.

A fan reacts to Nadia's discussion about AKA's death (Image via X/@keey_unusual)

"Nadia haven’t healed from losing AKA, and I— whoooo this is so sad and painful to watch her crying like that," a fan wrote.

"Oh Nadia’s scene crying none of us thought AKA was the dying type. I’m hurt all over again," another fan commented.

"Watching Nadia talk about AKA was tough man. Like damn," a netizen tweeted.

Many Young, Famous & African fans sympathized with Nadia, supporting her on her emotional journey.

"I was literally just talking about AKA when I was in London so to see this scene between Nadia and Khanyi really made me cry. Dealing with grief when it’s over someone so close to you is never easy," a user reacted.

"Nadia and Khanyi Scene ? I Cried With Them Yoh AKA," a person commented.

"I shed a tear when Nadia was talking about AKA. Argh she genuinely loved him. and when Khanyi surprised her? Bless her soul," another fan wrote.

"Wow Nadia talking about how she’s struggling with AKA’s death is so heartbreaking! I can’t even imagine what she’s been going through since it happened," one user posted.

Other Young, Famous & African fans expressed a similar sentiment.

"Nadia Nakai speaking out about losing AKA was the realest moment this entire show. She needs all the love and support she can get.." a person reacted.

"Gosh I miss Khanyi on this show so bad! I legit cried (waileddddd) during her and the Nadia scene about AKA," another commented.

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"The living need to continue to live" — Young, Famous & African's Khanyi advises Nadia to move on

Nadia revealed her emotional state since AKA's passing, confessing that she put on a brave face so others would not worry about her. However, she struggled to grapple with her feelings once she was alone. The Young, Famous & African star stated that it was then that her friends stood by her.

"My friends did intervals where I wasn't left alone so they literally had their own group and they would decide what day, who's coming to just make sure that I'm not by myself, you know," she said.

Nadia added that AKA's mother stayed with her for a month after his untimely death to ensure she was okay. The Young, Famous & African star confessed she was on "suicide watch." While sharing her feelings with Khanyi, Nadia expressed that she wanted to live and move on, however, it was difficult to forgo someone's memories who was so close to her.

Despite that, Khanyi insisted she continue living and "face the silence" instead of delaying confronting her feelings.

"The living need to continue to live," Khanyi stated.

While speaking to the cameras, Nadia mentioned that she had to continue with life so she could "see him in the afterlife." Regardless, his absence was difficult to process since the Young, Famous & African star did not think AKA was the "dying type." Despite knowing that she needed therapy, Nadia hesitated to go through with it, fearing there was "too much to unpack."

Meanwhile, Khanyi realized Nadia was far from healed. She said she would know her Young, Famous & African cast mate had recovered once Nadia started making TikToks, cooking, and relaxing at home with her dog the way she used to.

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Young, Famous & African is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.