Melinda Ferguson, who is the journalist and author behind the much-talked-about book about Anele Tembe and Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, said she did not rely on the blessing of the late couple’s families to publish the novel.
According to The Citizen, Ferguson was responding to comments made by both the Tembe and Forbes families, respectively, regarding the book.
‘WHEN LOVE KILLS’ TELLS THE STORY OF ANELE TEMBE AND AKA
The book, titled When Love Kills, is about the tragic tale of hip hop star, AKA whose life unravelled when he embarked on a relationship with 21-year-old Anele.
“When she ‘fell’ to her death from the 10th story of the Pepper Club in April 2021, after a long night of heated arguing, details would emerge that they’d been caught up in a whirlwind of toxic obsession, alleged substance abuse, and violence.
“Less than two years later, AKA was assassinated in what looked like a hit to avenge her death. This is their tragic story,” reads the description of the book by NBA Publishers.
Anele, a budding chef, was in the company of the rapper when she allegedly fell. Less than two years later, AKA was gunned down in Durban on 10 February 2023 with his friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
AKA AND ANELE TEMBE’S FAMILIES DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM THE BOOK
The book, which is set to hit shelves this week, has caused controversy as both families have distanced themselves from it.
Speaking to The South African on Monday, 15 April, Manqoba Zulu (who is the Tembe family spokesperson) stated that the family did not commission the writing of the book.
“The Tembe family did not commission the writing of the book and did not contribute to it in any way. The book is therefore Melinda’s own view based on her own research,” he said.
Zulu also refuted views purportedly mentioned in the book, which are said to have been made by Anele’s father, Moses Tembe.
“We have seen some publications referencing quotes from Mr Tembe. We categorically deny that Mr Tembe shared such views with Melinda.”
On the same day, AKA’s family released a statement in which it distanced itself from Ferguson’s book.
“We are not in any way associated with Melinda Ferguson’s book. We do not endorse it; in the same breath we distance ourselves from the contents of the book.
“When Melinda reached out to us we respectfully and rightfully declined to contribute to her book. At this state we cannot give any further comment on the book as we are unaware of its contents.”
Additionally, the Forbes family questioned the intent and timing of the book, labelling it “distasteful and opportunistic.”
MELINDA FERGUSON RESPONDS
Ferguson told The Citizen that she stood by her book and did not need to get the blessing of the families.
“As a journalist, it is not key to get the blessing of the families but rather to tell the story as truthfully as possible. While I encouraged participation from all parties, I wasn’t relying on getting anyone’s blessing when writing the book.
“I feel very sorry for the Forbes, for their loss, for his fans, and for the senseless loss of Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane and his family. No family deserves to bury their child, no matter the circumstances, but I stand by my book and believe this story needs to be told. I did the work. I interviewed people from both sides,” the author was quoted as saying.
She further said that she spoke to Anele’s father and those close to AKA.
“I spoke to Moses Tembe and I spoke to people close to Kiernan, but most of those people didn’t want to be named. People are scared because AKA was assassinated, and people are reluctant to be identified.”
Responding to questions about timing, she said: “What is the right timing? Anele died three years ago. I have been watching the story unfold and for me, the timing of this book felt right.”
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