Cape Town — After learning about the demise of popular award-winning hip-hop rapper Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, popularly known as Riky Rick, fans and members of the music industry took to social media to pay their heartfelt tributes.
The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear but reports say that the rapper took his life at his home in the north of Johannesburg.
He was 34.
He was also known by several other names including Boss Zonke, Master Makhado, Minister of Energy, and King Kotini. He rose to mainstream fame with his platinum-certified album Family Values in 2015 after making a name for himself and asserting his influence in South Africa's hip-hop culture for quite some time behind the scenes. His greatest hits include Amantombazane, Boss Zonke, and Sidlukotini.
Riky Rick was the founder and owner of the record label Cotton Club Records. He was well-known for his fashion sense and for setting trends.
The Makhado family have released an official statement saying that Riky Rick was 'deeply loved' by those around him. They went on to request privacy as they mourn. The statement reads:
"Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky 'Ricky' Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg.
"Affectionately known as Riky Rick across the globe, he was deeply loved by his family, friends, and the entire entertainment industry. His love for family, friends, and community is well known. Riky's nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered."
According to EWN, Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has said that Riky Rick was a shining light in the hip-hop industry and a much-loved star of South African music. The industry will remember him as a consummate performer, who was kind, humble, and respectful, he added.
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In 2020, the rapper opened up about his struggle with depression after his father died.
In his last Twitter post, he wrote, "I'll return a stronger man. This land is still my home."
Riky Rick is survived by his wife Bianca Naidoo and two children.
This article has been updated.
Celebrities and friends took to social media to pay tribute to the late musician.
@Lalla_Hirayama - Going to put down some candles down in front of the Legends Barber shop in Waterfall tonight at 6:30pm Please come through to join us pay my respects and love to the Makhado family #RIPRikyRick #RIPRiky
@Julius_S_Malema - We love you my man; we did not listen to your loud whisper. We thought we still had time, and unfortunately, we are now too late to intervene.
@FrankySA - Not like this Makhado
@VictoriaAfrica - South Africans pray for strength so that you can be able to fight life and its challenges. RIP Ricky Rick 💔 PRAY, Rapelang go boima. We won't survive life & its challenges, hardships, pain and suffering without GOD.
Just_Jay99 - Rest in Eternal Peace Ricky Rick.
