We previously reported on speculation around the reported passing of Riky Rick, and according to Sunday World, the news is… true.
UPDATE: Makhado family issue official statement confirming Riky Rick’s death
Riky Rick’s family has asked for privacy “as they go through this extremely difficult period of grieving.” The Makhado family confirmed the 34-year-old passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
Here is the full statement:
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.
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 as 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.
With much love and thanks, the Makhado family…
Riky Rick dies: What’s the cause of death?
A tremor was felt across social media, on Wednesday, when celebrities posted cryptic messages, seemingly hinting at impending news about a loss of life in the entertainment industry.
No fucking way 😭😭😭😭
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) February 23, 2022
No no no no no no no no no 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯
— Madumane (@DjMaphorisa) February 23, 2022
Why 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
As it turns out, the person in question is chart-topping musician and business magnate, Rikhado ‘Riky Rick’ Makhado.
According to the cited publication, the 34-year-old took his own life at his home in Johannesburg North, on Wednesday morning.
The rapper’s family issued a statement later that day, confirming the news, careful not to reveal the cause of death. However, from what we understand, a rope was used in the commission of what’s been reported as a suicide, and, apparently, he was discovered by his management team at approximately 08:30.
Riky was allegedly rushed to a nearby hospital but, by then, it was too late.
Apparently Ricky Rick committed suicide. #RickyRick pic.twitter.com/DUD5LVlUj2
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 23, 2022
Riky Rick biography
Born on 20 June 1987, Makhado was a revered creative genius, who changed the face of commercial South Africa Hip-Hop in the early 21st Century.
Hailing from KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Riky Rick launched his entertainment career in Johannesburg, the hub of the music industry, in the early 2000s.
He always stood apart back then, partly due to his affinity for forward-thinking fashion. The rapper’s natural-born talents in streetwear fashion and art would certify him as ‘one-to-watch’ in an era dominated by legends like ProKid, Hip-Hop Pantsula and Kwaito music.
Riky Rick was one of the first artists to successfully bridge street fashion with Hip-Hop and the homegrown Kwaito sound and, in 2015, he changed the face of commercial music in South Africa with the release of his debut album Family Values, which included classic hit singles such as Nafukwa, Boss Zonke, and Amantombazane.
This album catapulted a flurry of new renegades into the industry, and is the hallmark of the careers of Frank Casino, Dee Koala and much of the genre’s new school.
The success of his discography under his independent record label, Cotton Club Records, saw the 34-year-old ascend in the music business, with audiovisual productions and one of South Africa’s most-prominent music festivals.
Riky Rick is survived by his wife, Bianca Naidoo, and his two children, Jordan and Maik Makhado.
Fans pay tribute to a SA Hip-Hop icon
The new of Riky’s untimely death is still sinking in for many of his fans. Here are some of the reactions we picked out from the trending topic:
Rest in Peace Riky Rick 😭😭😭💔 pic.twitter.com/iBaJLmt1e0
— #TruTheEyeOfANeedle 🧐🧐 (@bhekosok) February 23, 2022
Rest easy Riky Rick. 😞😭 pic.twitter.com/W1GchwWn8D
— MJ Ncube 🇺🇸 🇿🇦 (@TheRealMJNcube) February 23, 2022
This song slaps different today 💔. The lyrics are making so much sense, to think that I loved dancing to this song kanthi man’s was pouring his heart out.
— tlholohelo.m (@tlholohelo__mad) February 23, 2022
I really hope the news about Ricky Rick [Riky Rick] are false.
This shows that it’s not all Glitz and Glamour.
Makhado. pic.twitter.com/YvElg10nvi
“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”
— Keabetswe (she/her) (@KeaKhutsoane) February 23, 2022
-Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado
“Death gotta be easy coz Life is hard”
— Wise Tha Don (@rich_dux) February 23, 2022
Rest in Peace Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado 💐🕊 pic.twitter.com/oTeRk79sJV
