This is how the industry plans to honour Riky Rick on the anniversary of his passing

Rikhado Muziwendlovu “Riky Rick” Makhado was a pioneer within the local entertainment space. Affectionately known as King Kotini, the rapper, style icon turned businessman by creating the Cotton Fest series of concerts, passed back in February 2022.

Read more: How Is Riky Rick’s Mother Coping With The Loss Of Her Son?

His passing was confirmed as a suicide after it was reported that the rapper hung himself at his home studio and died as he was being transported to the hospital. Since his passing, the landscape of the music industry locally has never been the same.

As the anniversary of his passing is around the corner, his Cotton Fest team has ensured that the Stay Shining hitmaker is remembered.

Thursday, 23 February 2023, is set to mark a year since the country was stunned by the news that Riky Rick is late. As such, his Cotton Fest team has confirmed that the anniversary will not pass without the rapper being honoured.

This is as they have created an event scheduled to take place in Newton, Johannesburg to commemorate the rapper and his continued legacy that thrives long after his passing.

However, this is not the first act of honour dedicated to Riky Rick outside of the continuation of the Cotton Fest. In January 2023, it was reported that a bursary was started in his name reading:

When rapper Riky Rick Makhado’s family promised to continue on his legacy, they meant business. The late Cotton Eater’s wife, Bianca Naidoo, has started a bursary initiative in his honour. Everybody who was close to Riky and those who loved and supported him, knew how passionate he was about the youth. He spoke extensively in almost all his interviews about empowering the youth and giving the tools needed to make it in life, in whatever aspect.

The Cotton Festival bursary programme was reportedly created under the Cotton Fest Creative programme, where students wishing to further their studies at AFDA could get funding.

“We are extremely excited to have the privilege to assist young people to achieve this huge milestone in their educational journey. When we started Cotton Fest, the idea was not just to have a once-off concert, but to do so much more for the culture as a whole, and moreover offer support within the community,” Bianca Naidoo said.

Bianca Naidoo has been intentional in ensuring that the legacy of her long-time partner and father of her two children is never forgotten. A sentiment she recently reiterated when it was reported that she explained herself by stating:

In an interview with You, Bianca opens up on her grief and how she continues to mourn Riky.

“I’ve decided this year I’m not going to put pressure on myself. I’m trying to figure out a lot of things and I want to ensure I make Riky proud. I want to be a great mom and support our kids. It’s a lot of learning, this new normal. Trying to understand and deal with grief.”

Bianca said she and Riky were meant to be, “I’ve said this quite often before: I know the fact that Riky and I were put together was God’s work. It was meant to be. I feel like we were part of the same tree. There were just so many things that made sense. It was just right.”