Multi-award winning rapper Riky Rick, born Rikhado Makhado, tragically died early this morning at the age of 34. The Trade Union of Musicians of South Africa (TUMSA) shared, ‘we express our shock, sadness, outrage and disappointment about another such horrific loss to our SA Music-, Cultural & Creative Sector. ‘
Rick rose to fame in 2014 with his single ‘Nafukwa’ and has continued to succeed with hit songs such as ‘Boss Zonke’, ‘Amantombazane’, ‘Sondela’ and ‘Sidlukotini’.
His debut album ‘Family Values’ was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa, and last year he won the ‘MVP/Hustler of the Year’ award at the South African Hip Hop Awards. Not only was he a successful musician, but he was also helping others to succeed in the music industry with the event he created, Cotton Fest. This event merges both known and unknown South African talent and gives a platform to all the diverse elements of hip hop culture in South Africa.
View this post on Instagram
But even with all of his success and giving back, Rick suffered from chronic depression. He didn’t hide it though, he was open about going to therapy and wanting to break the stigma around men not asking for help. So, other than helping emerging music artists, he was also giving a voice to the voiceless.
His last tweet that he wrote just hours before his death read, “I will return strong. This land is my home”. This is a line from his song, ‘Home’. The verse says: “I’ll return a stronger man. I’ll return to my homeland. No grave shall hold my body down. This land is still my, my home.”
We are devastated by the loss of this great talent, and are sending our condolences to his wife Bianca, kids and family.
Words by Fran Rattle
