Who is Riky Rick? What is Riky Rick’s net worth? Here is everything to know about the South African late rapper.
Riky Rick (real name, Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado) was a professionally South African rapper, songwriter, singer, composer, actor, entrepreneur, and fashion designer.
Makhado was the founder and owner of the record label Cotton Club Records. He was also a member of Boyz N Bucks.
He was born on 20 July 1987 and sadly passed away on 23 February 2022 after reportedly committing suicide by hanging himself after suffering severe depression.
How well did you know rapper Riky Rick? What was his real name? Was Riky Rick married and had children? What was rapper Riky Rick’s net worth before he died? Read till the end of this article for answers to these and more google search queries.
Riky Rick’s Profile Summary
| Celebrated Name: | Riky Rick |
| Net Worth: | $3.5 million (52,612,175.00 South African Rand) |
| Real Name: | Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado |
| Stage Name: | Riky Rick |
| Age: | 34 years old (as of 2021) |
| Birthday: | June 20, 1987 |
| Birthplace: | KwaMashu, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Unknown |
| Profession: | Rapper, songwriter, singer, composer, actor, entrepreneur, and fashion designer |
| Record Label: | Cotton Club Records |
| Label: | Sound African Recordings, Makhado Makhado Agency |
| Group: | Boyz N Bucks. |
| Wife: | Bianca Naidoo |
| Children: | Jordan Makhado and Malik Daniel Makhado |
| Siblings: | Five siblings |
| Date of Death: | February 23, 2022 |
| Cause of Death: | Suicide (allegedly) |
10 Things to Know About South African Rapper Riky Rick
1. Who was Riky Rick?
Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado known professionally as Riky Rick, was a South African rapper, songwriter, singer, composer, actor, entrepreneur, and fashion designer.
Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado was born on 20 July 1987 and was raised in KwaMashu township near Durban, Natal.
2. How did Riky Rick become famous?
He rose to fame when he released his single “Nafukwa” in 2014. Makhado released his debut studio album Family Values (2015), which became certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
3. Was Riky Rick married? What is the name of Riky Rick’s wife?
Late South African rapper, Riky Rick was a happily married man. His wife’s name is Bianca Naidoo.
In early 2010, Makhado met Bianca Naidoo in Sandton and they became a couple as they got married in 2013.
4. Did Riky Rick have children? What are the names of Riky Rick’s kids?
Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado aka Riky Rick and his wife, Bianca Naidoo had two children; a daughter and a son.
The name of their daughter is Jordan Makhado. In 2013, the couple got married and welcomed their second child, a son named Malik Daniel Makhado 2014.
5. What record label did Riky Rick own?
Makhado was the founder and owner of the record label Cotton Club Records. This is the club responsible for the launch and success of the hip-hop festival, Cotton Fest in 2019, which was set to return on 19 and 20 March, an MTV-sponsored festive that has been running for years.
He was also a member of Boyz N Bucks.
6. Was Riky Rick signed to any other label?
Riky Rick owned his personal label called Cotton Club Record – Makhado Makhado Agency, however, he was also part of Sound African Recordings.
7. What disease did Riky Rick have?
Makhado practiced sobriety after a torrid time with alcohol and drug addiction in his youth.
According to sources, the singer and rapper allegedly suffered from severe depression.
In a 2020 interview, Riky said that he suffered from “chronic depression” and found himself on a “destructive path” after the death of his father.
But Ricky Rick was a haunted man, his close allies once revealed.
8. When did Riky Rick died? What caused Riky Rick’s death?
South Africa hip hop legend and star real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado popularly called Riky Rick died in the early morning of Wednesday 23rd of February 2022.
Makhado died at age 34, and the cause of death was reported to be suicide after reportedly hanging himself in his home in Johannesburg after being depressed for a long time. (Read more on his death and his last words here).
The 34-year-old rapper’s passing triggered his family to release a statement on his death. The family confirmed that the news circulating is indeed true. The Makhado family have requested privacy during this period.
“Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg,” the family said.
“Riky’s nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered,” the statement continues.
9. What is Riky Rick’s net worth?
Riky Rick has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million (in USD) (52,612,175.00 South African Rand.
Riky Rick was one of the richest rappers in South Africa. His name always fell on the list of highest-paid musicians in South Africa as he earned from his music career, performances, and streaming platforms.
10. Life and career (Songs, Album, Awards, Recognition, Music Career)
1987–2014: Early life and early career
Makhado’s music career began at a recording studio session with Bongani Fassie. It was by Fassie’s side that Makhado was inspired to make his own music. That is when he released his first single “Barbershop” featuring Da L.E.S.
He then rose to fame by the release of his hit single “Nafukwa” which was a big success. He then released “Amantombazane” which was followed by “Amantombazane (Remix)” featuring fellow South African recording artists OkMalumkoolKat, Maggz, Kwesta, Ginger Bread Man, Kid X, Nadia Nakai, and DJ Dimplez.
2015–2022: Family Values, Scooby Snacks EP
On 3 April 2015, his debut studio album Family Values was released and received a positive review from music critics. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) with sales of 50 000 units.
On 24 April 2016, his single “Sondela”, featuring Zano was released, which was dedicated to his real love. On 28 October 2016, his major debut single “Boss Zonke” was released, which peaked at number 3 on the SA Hip Hop Top Ten List. In June 2016, his single “Sidlukotini” was released.
Makhado released the Scooby Snacks EP that features only one artist, Frank Casino. It includes the tracks “Oh Lord”, “Bandz Over Fans” and “Family” (featuring Frank Casino). He released “Buy It Out” on 15 September 2017. In November 2018, Makhado announced his first concert called “Cotton Fest”, which he headlined on 2 February 2019.
On 2 July 2021, he released a single “Forever” with Frank Casino.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Family Values | Released: 3 April 2015Label: Makhado Makhado AgencyFormats: CD, digital download | RISA: Platinum |
EPs
| Title | Album details | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Scooby Snacks EP | Released: 25 May 2017Label:Formats: CD, digital download | |
| Stay Shining EP | Released: 3 November 2017Label: Sound African RecordingsFormats: CD, digital download |
Mixtapes
- Comeback Kid (2011)
- Fear The Hunter(With Trinity) (2018)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | KZN Entertainment Awards | Best Male Award | Nominated | |
| 2021 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Best Collaboration | Won | |
| Artist of the Decade | Nominated | |||
| MVP/Hustler of the Year | Won |