By: Natasha Archary
"You need to be strong to be in this industry because you'll experience so much pain. More pain than you came in with. This industry is going to amplify that pain."
Before his untimely passing, Riky Rick spoke out about the isolating and dark SA music industry.
Last year after amapiano artist Mpura died, Riky took to his Instagram to share that he knew from experience how hard it is to make a mark in SA hip hop.
“You might see the industry and think this is where you want to be, this is who I want to be with. But once you get in you realize, it’s an industry that is darker and lonelier than you think it is,” Riky Rick shared.
A sentiment that has been shared by other SA hip hop artists on Kaya 959.
His post from 17 August 2021, was not just indicative of how hard Mpura had worked to build a name for himself.
Riky Rick shared that his journey to the top, wasn’t always easy.
“When pain amplifies, it becomes anger and when you’re angry you over-indulge. Alcohol. Drugs. Whatever your vice is. The industry really makes all your demons worse.”
In his last interview with SlikourOnLife, the Boss Zonke hitmaker said he didn’t just want to follow trends, he wanted to set them.
Despite all his accomplishments as a fashion designer, founder and owner of Cotton Club Records, and multiple hits, Riky Rick struggled with depression for a long time.
This was 2 weeks ago and was our last chat with Riky Rick… If he has touched you life, one way or another, you’re going to keep bringing him back.. #RIPRikyRick ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/GddDCNQ3lm
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 23, 2022
I was on a destructive path…
In 2020, the rapper opened up about his battle with chronic depression in his podcast series LAB LIVE. After losing his father, Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, was on a “destructive path.”
“I lost my father at a time when I needed him most. 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.”
He shared how he never got to learn about life and love from his father.
“The thing that got me was that I believed I was a good kid, but I never got to experience that affection and attention. No kid should have to live without a parent.”
Unfortunately, the star’s two children will have to grow up without his presence in their lives.
Riky Rick died in the early hours of Wednesday morning. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, the Sondela artist’s final tweet raised speculation of suicide.
His family have called for privacy while they grieve his passing and will share details of his funeral and memorial arrangements once finalized.
Also read: Riky Rick dismisses opinions his wife is scared and unhappy
