Rapper Rikhado Makhado, popularly known as Riky Rick, has died, his family confirmed on Wednesday.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Rick, a South African, passed away in Johannesburg this morning.
The hip hop star, 34, was best known for his songs Sondela, Stay Shining and Boss Zonke.
The cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but colleagues are blaming it on depression.
“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,” the statement reads before the family asks for privacy during this difficult time,” a family statement reads.
Liquid Deep singer, Ziyon took to Twitter to express his feelings: “Unfortunately our industry is not designed to care for mental health. It’s all about numbers. To the ones coming up now, please do all you can to protect your mental space. There’s no need to look “cool” on the outside yet broken inside. Trust me, I’ve been there,” he wrote.
DJ Shimza encouraged people to block social media accounts that are involved in cyberbullying.
“Block every cyber bully and the people that laugh at their bullying,” he wrote.
