Rapper Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado - known to fans by his stage name Riky Rick - has passed away at the age of 34.
As reported by The Times Live, news of the rapper's death on Wednesday was confirmed by his family in a statement. The statement reads:
"The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing.
"Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (February 23) in Johannesburg."
The statement continues: "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."
No cause of death has been announced as of this writing.
The South African rapper first gained mainstream attention following the release of this platinum-certified album Family Values back in 2015.
Success continued to follow the rapper, with the release of his popular tracks 'Amantombazane', 'Boss Zonke' and 'Sidlukotini'.
He was also known for his work as a composer, actor, entrepreneur, fashion designer, as well as being the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records.
Makhado posted a tweet to his 1.5 million followers prior to his death, reading: "I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home."
Back in December, Makhado spoke to Drum about how life was too short to not live it to the fullest. He revealed how the death of his friends - Killer Kau, Mpura Mpura, TD, and Thando Tot - following a car crash gave him a new appreciation of life.
"It has taught me to appreciate people and be cognizant of every moment spent with people because they don’t last forever," he told the publication. "It’s really about learning to appreciate people and everything that we go through daily and making time for family and loved ones."
In 2020, he also spoke out about he suffered from "chronic depression" after losing his father. Speaking on his podcast series LAB LIVE he said:
"I lost my father at a time when I needed the help. I lost him at a time when I needed that voice. A lot of people don’t understand that you can never replace the voice of a father. It wasn’t like he just died, it was like 18 years, living with your dad for a year, and then going back to your mom. I love being with my mom but living with him for a year. A child is never meant to live without his parents."
Makhado is survived by his wife, Bianca Naidoo, their two children, his mother, and five siblings.
Our thoughts are with Makhado's family, friends, and fans at this time.
.png_g4vOn1?tr=h-184)
.jpg_JeLQIp?tr=h-184)
.jpg_aV93Uc?tr=h-184)
