Rikhado Makhado, the South African rapper and songwriter better known as Riky Rick, has passed away. He was 34.
His family confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, the rapper died in the early hours of the day in Johannesburg.
The cause of his death, however, remains unknown as of the time of this report.
“The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing,” the statement read.
Family statement pic.twitter.com/22CooICocG
— Scapegoat (@AndiMakinana) February 23, 2022
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“Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg.
“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.”
In the statement, the family enjoined the public to respect their privacy as they grapple with the demise of the rapper.
It added that details about the musician’s funeral ceremony would be announced in due course.
The family also appreciated those who have reached out to show their support since he passed away.
Rick’s death comes hours after he took to his Twitter page to share a cryptic post.
“I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home,” he had written in the terse post.
I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.
— MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) February 23, 2022
The singer rose to prominence in 2014 after he released his hit single titled ‘Nafukwa’.
In 2015, he came through with ‘Family Values’, his debut studio album, which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
He also put out several other hit songs including ‘Amantombazane’, ‘Boss Zonke,’ and ‘Sidlukotini’.
His death has attracted a plethora of tributes on Twitter from several of his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Here’s what some of them had to say:
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Riky Rick 💔
What a loss. He was always good to me and supported me. He will be remembered through his music and humility. A true game-changer always looking to uplift the youth. #RIPRikyRick 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/cz5sFisT6F
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) February 23, 2022
Riky Rick was really a quality human at every encounter… if this is true… we’ve lost a really bright light in our industry. 💔
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) February 23, 2022
Not like this Makhado 💔 https://t.co/hK98O3ysbD
— DJ Franky (@FrankySA) February 23, 2022
This feels like a bad dream. #RIPRickyRick 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/1mViWYiFs7
— Terry Pheto (@TerryPheto) February 23, 2022
We love you my man; we did not listen to your loud whisper. We thought we still had time, and unfortunately, we are now too late to intervene. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/9Tj5otfYwv
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 23, 2022
RIP: Riky Rick
The multi-award winning musician has passed.
He was 34. #RIPRikyRick pic.twitter.com/MP7oJvtvtE
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) February 23, 2022
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