Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, professionally known as Riky Rick, was a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, fashion designer, record producer, and entrepreneur in the South African entertainment industry. He was the founder of Cotton Club Records and a key member of the influential group Boyz N Bucks. One of his biggest hits was “Boss Zonke”, from his debut album Family Values.

Riky Rick’s career gained momentum between 2009 and 2010, with mixtapes such as “The Comeback Kid” and “Last Summer” featuring Da L.E.S. However, his breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of “Family Values,” which was certified gold and cemented his place in South African hip-hop. His music blended rap with local sounds, making him a standout artist.

Beyond music, Riky Rick was a major influence in South African street fashion. His unique style and bold outfits gained recognition globally, leading to collaborations with top brands. In 2019, he launched Cotton Fest, a festival that brought together musicians across different genres, further proving his commitment to the local music scene.

Despite his success, Riky Rick battled mental health struggles, which eventually led to his tragic passing. However, his legacy lives on through his music, fashion influence, and dedication to uplifting young artists. His impact on South African culture remains undeniable, making him one of the most celebrated artists of his generation.

Early Life and Education

Riky Rick, born Rikhado Chifaro Makhado on July 20, 1987, spent his early years in KwaMashu, a township near Durban, Natal. From a young age, he was known for his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and artistic talents, traits that would later define his career.

Born to a Venda father and a Zulu mother, Riky Rick identified with his Venda heritage. After his parents divorced when he was still an infant, he was raised by his maternal grandmother in KwaMashu while his father moved to Johannesburg and his mother pursued her education in South Africa and the UK.

He was one of eight siblings, growing up with seven brothers—four from his mother’s side and three from his father’s side. His education began in KwaMashu, but later, he attended Hilton College and then AFDA (South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performances). There, he studied Media and Film Production, skills that would later influence his work in music and entertainment.

Career

Riky Rick’s journey into music started early, as he focused on mastering instruments and developing his skills as a lyricist. One of his first major collaborations was with Bongani Fassie, who influenced his sound and helped shape his musical style. His first solo effort, “Barbershop,” featured Da L.E.S, but his real breakthrough came in 2014 with the hit single “Nafukwa,” which earned him an MTV Africa Music Award for Video of the Year.

In 2015, Riky Rick released his debut studio album, “Family Values,” which received critical acclaim and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), selling over 50,000 units. The album included collaborations with Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat, Zano, and Black Motion. Notably, it remains his only studio album to date.

That same year, he dropped two other major hits: “Sondela” (April 24, 2014), a song dedicated to his wife Bianca, and “Boss Zonke” (October 28, 2014), which solidified his status in the South African music scene. His track “Amantombazane” led to a remix that was nominated for Remix of the Year at the 2015 South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

In 2016, Riky Rick released “Sidlukotini,” a song that reflected his passion for fashion, earning him Best Hit Single at the 2016 Metro FM Music Awards. After parting ways with the independent label Mabala Noise, he released the “Scooby Snacks” EP, featuring Frank Casino. His growing influence in fashion earned him an invitation to the Gucci Fall/Winter 2017 fashion show in Italy.

In 2017, he dropped “Buy It Out”, followed by the “Stay Shining” EP in 2018, released under his own label, Cotton Club Records, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Africa. That same year, he officially launched Cotton Club Records, aiming to support and mentor up-and-coming artists. He also co-founded Legends Barber, a mobile barbershop.

Riky Rick’s passion for youth empowerment led him to create Cotton Fest in November 2018, a festival that he headlined in February 2019. He described it as a community-driven event that celebrated local talent and culture. 

Riky’s Endorsement Deals

Riky Rick was not just a talented musician but also a highly sought-after figure for brand endorsements, which significantly contributed to his diverse income streams. Over the years, he partnered with several major brands, including African Bank, Nike, Rolex, Cognac, Remy Martin, and Vaseline Men.

These collaborations not only strengthened his financial portfolio but also highlighted his versatility and broad appeal beyond the music industry. His influence extended into fashion, lifestyle, and personal care, making him a prominent figure in popular culture. Whether through music, business, or branding, Riky Rick consistently positioned himself as a trendsetter and cultural icon.

Personal Life

In 2010, Riky Rick met his future wife, Bianca Naidoo, at a café in Sandton. At the time, Bianca was already a mother to her daughter, Jordan, from a previous relationship. After nearly three years of dating, the couple tied the knot in 2013. Their family grew in 2014 with the birth of their son, Maik Daniel. Throughout their relationship, they openly expressed their love for each other on social media, often sharing heartfelt moments with their followers.

Despite the public image of a happy and successful life, Riky Rick opened up about his personal struggles in a 2020 interview with rapper Yanga Chief on the Lab Live YouTube series. He revealed that during his youth, he battled alcohol and drug addiction, a period that pushed him to the brink of suicidal thoughts. However, he overcame his struggles and embraced sobriety, marking a major turning point in his life.

Discography

Albums

Family Values (3^rd April, 2015)

EPs

Scooby Snacks EP (25 May, 2017)

Stay Shining EP (3 November, 2017)

Ungazincishi (2020)

Mixtapes

Comeback Kid (2011)

Awards

In 2020, Riky Rick received recognition for his contributions to the entertainment industry, earning nominations at the KZN Entertainment Awards. He was nominated in two categories: Best Male Award and Best Collaboration, and he won the Best Collaboration Award.

The following year, in 2021, Riky Rick continued to garner acclaim, earning a nomination at the South African Hip Hop Awards for Artist of the Decade. His standout achievements in the industry were acknowledged, and he was honored with the MVP/Hustler of the Year award.

Death

The news of Riky Rick’s death on February 23, 2022, cast a somber cloud over the South African music scene. Initial rumors circulated in the early hours of that day, and as the day unfolded, the heartbreaking reality was confirmed by celebrities and later by his family. The artist’s untimely passing occurred in Johannesburg, with his family opting not to disclose the details surrounding the circumstances of his death. They requested privacy as they navigated the challenging period of grieving.

Riky Rick had openly discussed his struggles with chronic depression in a September 2020 interview, revealing the profound impact of his father’s death when he was just 18 years old. This loss had plunged him into what he described as a “dark place,” emphasizing the emotional difficulty of navigating life without a parent. His mental health struggles manifested in his music and public interactions, where he occasionally expressed frustration with the music industry.

On the fateful day, Riky Rick posted a poignant tweet at 04:20, stating, “I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.” Tragically, hours later, he was found dead in his house, with reports suggesting that he had taken his own life by hanging. One week before he died, Riky Rick had faced social media trolls.

Riky Rick’s legacy is one of talent, passion, vibrant creativity, and an impactful presence in the music and fashion spheres. His death sent shockwaves through South Africa and the continent, prompting reflection on the importance of mental health awareness and the challenges faced by those in the public eye. Riky died at the age of 38.