SOUTH African rapper Riky Rick has died at age 34.
The hip hop pioneer was best known for his songs Sondela, Stay Shining and Boss Zonke.
Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, better known professionally as Riky Rick, was a South African rapper, songwriter, singer, composer, actor, entrepreneur, and fashion designer.
He was born and raised in KwaMashu township near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Riky is the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records and was also a member of Boyz N Bucks.
In early 2010, he met his wife Bianca Naidoo in Sandton and later gave birth to Jordan Makhado.
In 2013, they got married and had their son Maik Daniel Makhado in the following year.
The rapper practised sobriety after a difficult time with alcohol and drug addiction in his youth.
The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
It was confirmed by his family that the rapper died in the early hours of this morning (february 23) in Johannesburg.
His family released a statement that said: “The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing.
“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”.
Ricky was popularly known for his hit songs like “Stay Shining” “You and I” and “A time to Love”.
He released his debut studio album Family Values in 2015, which became certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa and sold 50,000 units.
He rose to fame when he released his single Nafukwa, in 2014.
Riky announced his first concert called “Cotton Fest” in November 2018, which he headlined on February 2, 2019.
On July 2, 2021 he released a single “Forever” with Frank Casino.
