South African music star Riky Rick has passed away
South Africa is mourning the loss of another great musician - Riky Rick. The news of his passing dominated social media on Wednesday morning.
Scores of people have taken to social media to share their pain and shock over the passing of Riky Rick.
The star died on Wednesday morning at the age of 34.
The family of the star confirmed the passing of the musician to News24.
“The family is still meeting, and we will release a statement in due course. We ask for your understanding," family spokesperson Sheikani Makhado told the publication.
LISTEN: Terence Pillay's interview with Riky Rick in 2018
His cause of death is yet to be made public, but according to several publications, it is rumoured that the musician committed suicide.
His last message on social media, '"I'll come back a stronger man. This land is still my home," was posted hours before his death.
It is a line from his song, 'Home'. The verse says: "I'll return a stronger man. I'll return to me my homeland. No grave shall hold my body down. This land is still my, my home."
I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.
— MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) February 23, 2022
Riky, real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, has previously opened up about his mental health issues.
He revealed that the death of his father caused him to suffer from 'chronic depression'. He even had to cancel live performances and admitted that he was on a "destructive path".
Recently, a video Riky posted of him dancing with his wife, Bianca Naidoo, made him a Twitter trending topic.
Many tweeps alleged that things were not fine between the couple, despite Riky smiling and dancing in the video. Some social media bullies even went as far as alleging that his wife looked fearful of Riky.
He addressed the allegations saying his wife looked awkward in the footage because she does not like the camera.
The couple got married in 2013. Riky Rick has two children, Jordan Makhado and Maik Daniel Makhado.
READ: That time Riky Rick wore a skirt in daring fashion move
Riky Rick's music legacy
Riky rose to fame with his single, 'Nafukwa', which was released in 2014.
The following year, he released his debut studio album, 'Family Values'. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
He has also released two EPs - 'Scooby Snacks' and 'Stay Shining'.
Last year, he won the 'MVP/Hustler of the Year' award at the South African Hip Hop Awards.
Some of his famous songs include, 'Amantombazane', 'Boss Zonke', and 'Sidlukotini'.
Social Media Reaction
People were bullying Ricky Rick just the other day. We live amongst evil people who will suddenly care when people are late. This is sad and crazy.
— ThApIe (@Th3_kisO) February 23, 2022
I'm actually in tears over the news about Ricky Rick. So many of us are fighting silent battles and you end up feeling like no one understands or wants to listen to you so you just decide to end your life. I pray for strength for all of those dealing with mental health issues ❤️
— Gabbie_K 🍯 (@Gabbie_Kamo12) February 23, 2022
He wasn't lying. 💔💔
— Jan Van Potgieter 🇿🇦 ✰ (@SciiTheComedist) February 23, 2022
° Ricky Rick ° NO WAYS pic.twitter.com/ROlXv7og8l
Ricky Rick 🕊️💔❤️💯
— ⚡ X̶a̶v̶i̶e̶r̶ ✞ (@RealXavier011) February 23, 2022
Strength upon the family pic.twitter.com/7yDxB3R0yn
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Image courtesy of Instagram