Family spokesperson Sheikani Makhado has confirmed the passing of Rapper Riky Rick, popularly known as Rikhado Makhado. No cause of death has officially been revealed.
The rapper’s family confirmed in a statement to newsmen, that he died early on Wednesday.
“The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing. Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (February 23) in Johannesburg.”
Riky Rick burst into fame with his platinum-certified Family Values in 2015 after making a name for himself and asserting his influence in SA hip-hop culture for several years behind the scenes.
He gifted the world with hit songs including Amantombazane, Boss Zonke and Sidlukotini.
His brand became associated with vogue because of his style and love for fine clothes and culture. He became an icon for all the cool kids and a light for upcoming artists who he embraced publicly.
In addition to his musical legacy, he also established the Cotton Festival, which was due to make a comeback in 2022 after taking a break thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2020, the rapper opened up about his struggle with depression after his father died. Riky Rick is survived by his wife Bianca Naidoo and two children. Heartbroken fans took to his social media hoping the news of his death was fake.