We've all been wondering "what happened to Riky?" and it looks like we just found out.
Ever since he stole the show with his candid speech at the 2016/17 Metro FM Music Awards, we've all been wondering what's going to happen to Riky and he has just confirmed that he has left Mabala Noise Entertainment.
After long prayer and conversation with God, I am no longer part of @Mabala_Noise 🙏🏾 Blessings to everyone there. Thank you for the love.👊🏾
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
He took to Twitter to explain the situation, as well as the head space he is in, describing his MMA moment as a "moment of clarity"
Dear friends and fam, The past couple weeks have been hectic. The metro speech was a moment of clarity for me. Brought me back to reality.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
I didnt think about the consequences or who would get mad. I just wanted to do the right thing. Inspire the kids to not be slaves to THEM.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
Riky Rick even explained why he decided to give up the Mabala lifestyle
You might see all this material shit and think It makes life easier. It doesnt. Money Its just an illusion to keep us making DUMB decisions.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
In addition to the rumors that have been doing the rounds, Riky confirmed that they have indeed taken back the luxury cars that they gave him (petty much?)
At this point They have taken back what they think makes me happy. They have threatened the future of me and my family. They want us gone.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
They gonna want you to believe that Im crazy or Im playing politics. NO. IM JUST WOKE.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
You Cant Sell Your Soul bro... It doesnt belong to you. It belongs to God.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
Seeing as it's #MotivationMonday, Riky decided to share a lesson from all this
Im begging all you talented kids out there. Dont go the road I had to go. Pave your own way. Dont anybody try steal your movement.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
I say that to say this...
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
The world is ready for us to be ourselves. I didnt think its time but you all encouraged me with all your emails and tweets. Lets rebuild.
— #STAYSHINING 🌍 (@rikyrickworld) March 13, 2017
With that said, we know this is definitely not the end for King Kotini. In fact, we commend him for standing up and breaking the shackles of being beholden to a label like many artists have done in recent months.
This also makes us wonder what the real problems are behind the scenes when artists like Nomuzi Mabena, Kid X, Maggz, Fifi Cooper, A-Reece, Gemini Major have all left the labels they were once so happy to be a part of.
It just goes to prove that the same record labels that accuse media outlets of trying to bring the black man down will do the same thing when he doesn't play the game by their rules.
Don't sweat it Riky, just keep making the music and we'll have your back.
Main image credit: twitter.com/sowetanlive