South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, with stage name AKA, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The music star broke the news in a statement via his social media handles on Friday.

AKA said his decision to announce his test result was to further create awareness about the novel disease and encourage people to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.

“Multi-award-winning South African musician, AKA has tested positive for the novel COVID-19 virus,” the statement read.

“In an attempt to create awareness around the virus and to caution citizens to be more careful in their daily interactions with others, AKA has chosen to make his results public.

“AKA pleads with everyone to adhere to social distancing guidelines, to wear masks and to hold stringent hygiene measures by frequently sanitising and washing our hands.”

He enjoined people to get tested immediately they start exhibiting symptoms associated with the killer disease.

“As soon as you feel that cough coming on, that headache … weakness in your muscles. Chills at night. Trust me. Go test ASAP” he added in a separate post on Twitter.

The singer cum record producer explained that he is in good condition, adding that his doctors say he would be ready to go out again by July 16.

South Africa has 238,339 confirmed cases of the pandemic with 3,720 deaths as of the time this report was filed according to worldometer.