11/02/2023
A message from Jonny Friedman regarding the tragic passing of rapper AKA
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I am shocked and saddened by the news of the premature death of AKA, one of South Africa's most popular rappers.I would like to send my condolences to his family, friends, and all those who lost their lives in this incident on behalf of the Urban Lime team. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.
We join with the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of an exceptional artist and one of the country's leading forces in youth culture.
Florida Road is generally a safe space that is used and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people a month and is Durban’s top attraction outside of its beachfront and promenade. Across the day and night, it welcomes locals and visitors alike and is essential to the city's development and economic progress.
In the past five years, one of Durban's greatest success stories has been the revival of Florida Road, which has become more than just an entertainment district. Today, it has many different uses across the street, and many micro, small, and medium-sized businesses have made Florida Road their base. It also welcomes families, has expanded its hospitality and entertainment offerings, and has become a more livable, walkable, and vibrant part of the city.
Aside from our commitment to see it transformed, it has a special place in my heart because my family's home is just off Florida Road, and we frequently stroll, eat, and celebrate there throughout the year.
As we continue to implement our anticipated investments in the coming years, Urban Lime will keep working closely with the City and other authorities to rezone Florida Road and ensure that it remains an inclusive, safe space for all.
When the time is right, we will reach out to AKA's family, friends, and fans to discuss whether Urban Lime can assist in any way to honour his life, his work, and the joy he brought to millions of people across the nation and the world.
Jonny Friedman,
CEO of Urban Lime
