It is hard to believe that it has been over one year after the death of rapper Riky Rick. Born Rikhado Makhado, he took his own life on February 23, 2022. He was 34-years-old. Following his death, his struggles with mental health came under the spotlight, raising awareness for other men in the industry.
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His death also succeeds that of fellow artist, Jabulani Tsambo, also known as HHP. The Motswako rapper took his own life in October 2018 after a years-long battle with depression.
Rikhado’s long-time partner, Bianca Naidoo, speaking to TshisaLIVE, says she is grateful for all the support:
I’m grateful for the fans, Riky’s family and friends. The love has been so strong, has kept us so close and feeling supported. I feel like whatever he’s left, and the spirit he’s left is following through
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Bianca told Nounouche online magazine about the respect they had for each other over the 10 years they were together:
When I think back on our time together, everything we did, he had a way of making me feel important, always. I knew when to back off and when to put on pressure in a gentle and loving way. I was his safe space and he was mine. There was so much respect. He treated me like a queen and gave me love I had never experienced
Ricky Rick’s death comes in the wake of the murder of rapper AKA. Born, Kiernan Forbes, he was gunned down outside a restaurant in Durban earlier this month. A day after Riky’s death, AKA took to social media to stand up to those questioning the reason behind the hitmaker’s suicide:
I hope that very soon we can address the issue of how damaged and broken the men in this country are. We have no-one to talk to, we just pat each other on the back and say, ‘get on with it, be strong my boi’, but in reality we are traumatised. Generational trauma passed down to us. Ladies, we are not perfect by any means … but we are crying out for your approval, your love and affection
SA Hip Hop lost an iconic 💔. Rest easy Riky Rick. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/zCDbe1v5zj
— The Chronicles of AKA (@AKA_Tales) February 23, 2022
The legacy Rikhado left behind
Riky Rick’s rise to fame came following the release of hit 2014 single, Nafukwa. It scored him an MTV Africa Music Award in 2015. He debuted his studio album, Family Values, in the same year, further cementing his music career.
This album got Riky three nominations at the 2016 SAMAs for Best Hip Hop Album, Male Artist of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.
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Riky Rick’s legion of fans, called the cotton eaters, all celebrated his legacy at the Newton Junction Mall. The rapper’s friends, family and fans all sang along to every song, kitted out in Cotton Fest regalia.
Post-celebrations, Rikhado’s mother, Louisa Zondo thanked everyone for attending the celebrations:
I want to thank you for making this a good day. You have caused us to look into our pain and put it aside and feel the joy of Rikhado’s life, to be able to align ourselves with Riky Rock and be able to say, ‘indeed, cotton eaters never die, they multiply’
“It is your love that has carried us this full 12 months, it is your love that has given us hope and we continue to rely on your love as we work to build Rikhado’s legacy,” added Louisa.
