by Thinus Ferreira
The South African hip-hop artist Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, known as Riky Rick, committed suicide after suffering from depression and hanging himself in his home in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning. He was 34.
Sunday World reported that the singer committed suicide at his estate home in the north of Johannesburg and was found hanging with a rope at 08:30 this morning. He was still alive but died on the way to hospital.
Riky Rick, who was born and raised in KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, was the founder and owner of the Cotton Club Records record label and was one of the coaches during the third season of The Voice South Africa on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2019.
Riky Rick was married to Bianca Naidoo and they had 2 children. His debut studio album Family Values in 2015 went platinum after he released his single "Nafukwa" in 2014.
Riky Rik appeared as himself with several guest appearances across various TV shows over the past couple of years, including Zazizwa, and as a guest judge in The Hustle.
The singer-songwriter played the character of Mandelic in Isibaya on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and was Smash in e.tv's Rhythm City.
After years of struggling with alcohol and drug addiction in his youth, Riky said that he was practising sobriety.
■ If you or someone you know needs help with suicide, anxiety or depression, call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group's 24-hour helpline at 0800 456 789 or 011 234 4837 or the Whatsapp chat number 076 882 2775, the Suicide Crisis helpline at 0800 12 13 14, or Lifeline SA at 0861 322 322.
