South African rapper Riky Rick 34 dead after last cryptic tweet, I will “return stronger”
The South African rapper from KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal rose to fame in 2014 with the release of his hit single “Nafukwa” and a year later he released his debut studio album Family Values.
He had two sons Jordan and Maik Daniel with his wife Bianca Naidoo.
Back in 2020, the artist had revealed in his podcast Lab Live he had a long battle with depression following the death of his father.
He told his listeners he suffered from “chronic depression” and was on a “destructive path” 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”.
The Family Values rapper, whose real name is Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, was confirmed dead by his family earlier today.
The cause of the 34-year-old’s death has not been revealed.
His death comes after a mysterious final tweet he shared at 3.20 on Wednesday morning just hours before his death.
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.”