“I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.” – Riky Rick.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 February 2022) – Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, the South African artist known professionally as Riky Rick, tragically passed away on Wednesday, the 23rd of February 2022, at just 34 years old.
The sad news was confirmed to Times Live a few minutes ago, this after a tweet posted by the talented musician at 3:20am started trending, leaving many South Africans concerned.
I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.
— MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) February 23, 2022
The family of Riky Rick also confirmed his passing in a press release.
“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 development of young musical talent is well documented, and will forever be remembered.
He leaves behind his wife, two children, his mother and five siblings.
The Makhado family humbly request privacy as they go through this extremely difficult period of grieving. The family has not appointed a spokesperson at this point and they ask that you please keep them in your prayers. The family are also deeply thankful for and appreciates the countless messages of love and support received, These are felt deeply.”
Details of the funeral and memorial will be confirmed at a later stage.
Remembering Riky Rick – A Tribute To a South African Superstar!
Ricky Rik was a South African superstar, loved by his family, friends and fans.
Born in 1987, Riky Rick’s music style has been influenced by early Kwaito and Hip Hop. Borrowing from these influences, he has managed to carve a lane for himself as one of South Africa’s most electrifying performers and rap artists the continent has ever seen. His raw and eclectic style has found the perfect synergy between South African township life and International appeal.
His album “Family Values” was certified platinum by RISA and was in the Top 20 African Albums of 2015. He has won numerous awards for his music, from the MTV Africa Award for the best music video to a Loerie for his short film EXODUS and even two awards at the SA Hip Awards.
Riky Rick released the Scooby Snacks EP that features only one artist, Frank Casino. It includes the tracks “Oh Lord”, “Bandz Over Fans”, and “Family” (featuring Frank Casino). He released “Buy It Out” on 15 September 2017. In November 2018, Makhado announced his first concert called “Cotton Fest”, which he headlined on February 2, 2019. On July 2, 2021, he released a single “Forever” with Frank Casino.
Beyond music, Riky Rick was one of South Africa’s most loved and respected personal brands, lending his face and creativity to major campaigns for Ben Sherman, Puma, Russian Bear Vodka, Gucci and Woolworths. The talented artist was also featured as one of the judges on The Voice SA.
South Africans took to social media to express their love and sadness for the talented musician.
Riky Rick was really a quality human at every encounter… if this is true… we’ve lost a really bright light in our industry. 💔
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) February 23, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Riky Rick 💔
What a loss. He was always good to me and supported me. He will be remembered through his music and humility. A true game-changer always looking to uplift the youth. #RIPRikyRick 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/cz5sFisT6F
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) February 23, 2022
Rest in peace, Riky Rick. You were actually the coolest guy! And it was my absolute pleasure knowing you 🙏🏾
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) February 23, 2022
I met Riky. He was a really good guy. This is just utterly heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers with all his family, friends, loved ones and fans. Truly a sad day in South Africa. 💔
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) February 23, 2022
There's absolutely no f*cking way 💔💔
— Mr. Buns (@MapsMaponyane) February 23, 2022
A sad day 🙏🏾
— Thando Thabethe (@Thando_Thabethe) February 23, 2022
"Death gotta be easy coz Life is hard"
Rest in Peace Rikhado "Riky Rick" Makhado 💐🕊 pic.twitter.com/oTeRk79sJV— Wise Tha Don (@rich_dux) February 23, 2022
Wow. Riky 💔
— El Broide (@ElBroide) February 23, 2022
"To achieve anything of significance, you must have indestructible belief. If those around you don't believe in you, make the rest of the world believe in you"
-Rikhado "Riky Rick" Makhado
— Keabetswe (she/her) (@KeaKhutsoane) February 23, 2022
Damn, Riky Rick was honestly just the nicest down to earth man & one of the best performers I’ve had the privilege of sharing a stage with.
Can’t believe this news. Rest in peace Rikhado 🙏🏼❤️
— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) February 23, 2022
Not like this Makhado 💔 https://t.co/hK98O3ysbD
— DJ Franky (@FrankySA) February 23, 2022
No words 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/K4tvd5hzL2
— Chad Saaiman (@ChadSaaiman) February 23, 2022
Rest in peace Riky Rick. An incredibly sad day in South Africa today.
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