South African Rapper Ricky Rick Dies after Cryptic Last Tweet
South African rapper, Riky Rick born Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado has died at the age of 34, after vowing in his last cryptic tweet that he will “return stronger.”
The Family Values rapper was declared dead by his family earlier today. His wife, two children, mother, and five siblings are among the rapper’s survivors.
How to get help if you are having suicidal thoughts: In the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
A statement on behalf of the family read: “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.”
His death came just hours after a bizarre farewell tweet he sent at 3.20 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
He wrote: “I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home,” raising speculation about suicide as possible cause of death.
According to Sunday World Newspaper, a source that would remain unnamed reportedly told them that the singer hung himself with a rope after suffering from severe depression.
With the release of his smash single “Nafukwa” in 2014, the South African rapper from KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal shot to stardom, and a year later, he published his debut studio album Family Values. With his wife Bianca Naidoo, he had two boys, Jordan and Maik Daniel.
Following the loss of his father, the artist stated in his podcast Lab Live in 2020 that he had struggled with depression for a long time. He said he had “severe despair” and was on a “destructive road,” and that a child is “never meant to be without a parent.”
The star had also shared with his 2.1 million followers clips of him speaking on the podcast writing in the caption: “After losing a loved one we sometimes go to a dark place”. He added that he had “been there and made it back to tell some of the story for anyone who can relate”.
Source: The Sun UK
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
