As the country bids farewell to musician and fashion enthusiast Riky Rick, former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba says this day could have been avoided if people had read the signs and listened more intently to the warnings.
Family, friends and industry colleagues of the late rapper, whose real name was Rikhado Makhado, said their final goodbyes on Tuesday at a private funeral ceremony in Johannesburg.
The Boss Zonke hitmaker died last Wednesday at age 34. In a statement sent to TshisaLIVE, his family asked for privacy and prayers.
“RIP Makhado. We should’ve read the signs and listened more intently to your warnings. This day could’ve been avoided.
“May God bless your family and may the high heavens receive your beautiful soul graciously and grant you eternal rest,” said Malusi.
Malusi Gigaba on Riky Rick’s death: ‘We should’ve read the signs and listened to your warnings'
Image: Instagram/Riky Rick
As the country bids farewell to musician and fashion enthusiast Riky Rick, former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba says this day could have been avoided if people had read the signs and listened more intently to the warnings.
Family, friends and industry colleagues of the late rapper, whose real name was Rikhado Makhado, said their final goodbyes on Tuesday at a private funeral ceremony in Johannesburg.
The Boss Zonke hitmaker died last Wednesday at age 34. In a statement sent to TshisaLIVE, his family asked for privacy and prayers.
“RIP Makhado. We should’ve read the signs and listened more intently to your warnings. This day could’ve been avoided.
“May God bless your family and may the high heavens receive your beautiful soul graciously and grant you eternal rest,” said Malusi.
EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said he was heartbroken by the news of Riky's death, while transport minister Fikile Mbalula said the late rapper “left us empty and wrecked”.
A memorial service for the hitmaker will take place on Friday at 10am. The tribute will be livestreamed.
The hip-hop industry has been hit the hardest with many rappers hailing Riky for his pioneering spirit, fashion and street cred that opened doors for upcoming MCs.
Riky Rick burst into mainstream fame with his platinum-certified album 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.
Riky Rick wrote letters to Bianca & his kids before taking his own life — reports
He gifted the world with hit songs including Amantombazane, Boss Zonke and Sidlukotini.
One of his greatest achievements, in addition to his musical legacy, is the establishment of Cotton Festival, which was due to make a comeback in 2022 after taking a hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Boss Zonke. Thank you for being a catalyst for change. Thank you for pioneering with love.
“Thank you for being a cultural innovator and a way maker for the next generation. We miss you already. Cotton Eaters don’t die, We multiply. Rest in Power,” wrote the festival's team.
READ MORE
RECORDED | Riky Rick laid to rest in intimate funeral
Riky Rick wrote letters to Bianca & his kids before taking his own life — reports
Riky Rick’s face splattered across Jozi billboards in his honour
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos