Rapper Tony Dayimane recently paid tribute to the late Kiernan AKA Forbes by sampling him on his latest track Dilikiyane, which dropped in June and features Usimamane. The song is more than just a musical release, its a heartfelt salute to one of Tonys biggest inspirations. While many fans immediately caught the sonic nod to AKA in Dilikiyane, few knew the personal significance behind it. For Tony, it wasnt just about honoring a hip hop icon, it was about recognizing someone who helped shape how he views music altogether.During a sit-down with DJ Speedsta on 5 Hip Hop Nights with DJ Speedsta on YouTube, Tony broke down what led him to include the sample, revealing the deep musical influence AKA had on the way he approaches his craft.He definitely had a big impact on how I look at music, Tony said in the interview.He was not very afraid to cross over, Tony explained. On songs like Touch My Blood and Levels, that inspired the song of me sampling AKA.By choosing to sample AKA on Dilikiyane, Tony didnt just follow in the footsteps of a giant, he embraced the very philosophy that defined AKAs career, musical freedom. Tony detailed that one of the most impactful lessons he learned from AKA was not to feel confined by the structure of a beat or the expectations of a genre.He is inspiring in terms of that, if there is a rap beat, it doesnt mean I have to do it in an expected way for a rap beat, Tony said.This way of thinking pushed Tony to explore new dimensions in his own music, blending sounds and experimenting with structure much in the same way AKA had done for over a decade. He emphasized that this mentality of being unafraid to step outside the lines was something he now carries into every project he creates.He had no boundaries in a music sense, you could tell he was pushing the boundaries, Tony said.In a time where many artists feel boxed in by the fast-moving expectations of the industry, Tonys tribute to AKA feels especially powerful. Its not only a salute to a fallen legend, but a commitment to artistic bravery, one that echoes AKAs legacy of constant evolution and innovation.With Dilikiyane, Tony Dayimane not only honors a pioneer but reminds us all that the spirit of AKA lives on in the next generation of artists unafraid to cross over, push boundaries, and redefine the rules.
