On Tuesday, award-winning hip-hop artist, Riky Rick, was laid to rest during a private funeral in Johannesburg.
The rapper’s family and close friends came together to honour the Stay Shining artist after dying a week ago due to suicide.
When his family confirmed Riky Rick’s death, they shared the following statement:
“The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing.
“Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (February 23) 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 Makhado family humbly request privacy as they go through this extremely difficult period of grieving. The family has not appointed a spokesperson at this point and they ask that you please keep them in your prayers.
“The family are also deeply thankful for and appreciates the countless messages of love and support received, These are felt deeply.”
Riky Rick’s wife vows to keep his legacy alive
During the emotional send-off, Riky’s wife, Bianca Naidoo, took to the podium and thanked him for their nine years of marriage and being a great role model to their two children. She further vowed to keep his legacy alive and speak fondly of him to their children.
“His love for me was honest, authentic as mine for him. He often said I was saving his life without realising that he too was saving mine,” Naidoo said.
“My forever love, thank you for giving us all that you had to give in this lifetime. Thank you for choosing me, teaching me and for believing in us. I will forever be grateful for the gift of you.
“I promise to give our children all your love and mine, to keep your memory shining bright. I promise to continue fulfilling your purpose by honouring your memory and I’ll make sure your legacy lives on, in your children and work… the whole time. I’d like to thank the fans, family and friends for your love and understanding Riky’s energy.”
Riky Rick’s wife Bianca Naidoo vows to keep the legacy of the rapper alive.
— ♕ LavishDJ ♕ (@MasegoSeemela) March 1, 2022
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Riky’s mother has made peace with his death
Riky’s mother, Louisa Zondo, also spoke at the funeral as she thanked him for the “opportunity” to be his mother.
“You are no longer this or that, you are everything. At this point, you’re no longer here or there, you’re everything. So, my darling, notwithstanding the lack of words now but I do want to satisfy the burning desire to say something and it’s to say, thank you,” Zondo said.
“I want to thank you for the opportunity to be your mother. I want to thank you for the lasting lessons I learnt from your vulnerability and I want you to now rest, to go and meet with your freedom. We will carry on your legacy. Your beautiful children will be led, loved and guided the way you have already shown us how to. May it be well my son… lala ngoxolo mnthai wami.”
Watch the funeral below: