Reality star, Nadia Nakai has set social media abuzz with fresh romance rumours, stirring curiosity and excitement among fans two years after the tragic passing of her late boyfriend, rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
The Post That Started It All
On June 23, 2025, Nadia posted a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram to a man named Ryan, a lifestyle, travel, and fitness content creator. In her message, she described Ryan as “genuine,” “sweet,” and “one of my most favourite people in the whole world.” She affectionately wished him an amazing birthday and expressed deep appreciation and love, signing off with “I love you long time.” Although she did not explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, the warmth and tone of the message, coupled with a cozy photo of the two together, ignited widespread speculation that Nadia may have found love again.
Fans React: Support, Speculation, and Sensitivity
The timing of Nadia’s post is poignant, as February 2025 marked two years since AKA’s untimely death in Durban. Fans’ reactions were mixed—some expressed support and happiness for Nadia moving on, recognizing that healing and finding love is a personal journey. Others were more cautious, feeling it might be too soon or worrying about loyalty to AKA’s memory.
Comments ranged from celebratory, “Happiness looks good on you,” to somber reflections, “R.I.P AKA.” Many fans, however, defended Nadia’s right to find peace and happiness on her own terms, highlighting that grief and healing manifest differently for everyone.
Who Is Ryan?
Ryan is known as a lifestyle, travel, and fitness content creator and appears to share a close friendship with Nadia. The exact nature of their relationship remains private, with some close friends insisting they are just friends, while the public buzz leans toward a romantic connection. Their shared interests and social circles may have brought them together, but Nadia has yet to clarify the relationship status publicly.
Nadia’s Journey Since AKA
Since AKA’s death in 2023, Nadia Nakai has been on a path of healing and growth. She has kept her personal life mostly private while focusing on her career, launching her own makeup range, securing brand deals, and starring in the reality show Nadia Beyond Bragga. In early 2025, she took a luxurious trip to Paris, which fans speculated might be a sign of new beginnings.
In interviews, Nadia has spoken about trusting the process of healing, acknowledging the pain and sadness she has endured but also her desire to find happiness again. The recent birthday post to Ryan appears to be a gentle step toward opening a new chapter in her personal life.
What’s Next?
For now, Nadia Nakai has neither confirmed nor denied the romance rumours. Fans and followers remain eager to see how this story unfolds, hopeful that Nadia continues to find strength, love, and success in her journey ahead.
Nadia Nakai’s openness, even in subtle ways, about moving forward after loss is a powerful reminder that life and love continue to evolve. As South Africa watches, her story resonates as one of resilience, hope, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.
