While the whole country and continent at large is still trying to come to terms with the fact that Riky Rick is no more, friends, fans and industry colleagues, have shared their most heartfelt condolences and fondest memories of Riky.
Tributes from fans and industry colleagues came flooding in and one of the touching ones was from Lady Du who said they spoke on the phone just hours before his untimely passing. He said his final words to her was to stay strong as she too once admitted to being depressed and having endured cyber bullying.
"I’m listening to this over and over again. I’m waiting for someone to tell me it’s a prank. We spoke on the phone yesterday you said I should be strong bro Njani manje Njani (how come?) God receive my brother with open arms!!!!! We need you now more than ever!!!!"
She posted a video of them at Mpura's funeral where he was part of the speakers there. In the video, he spoke of Mpura, real name Mongezi Stuurnman, and said, "We have to have faith that Mongezi in a happy place. We have to faith that he is right next to Jesus right now, telling him the best bed time story ever."
"He made you realise that life was meant for living. He would make you laugh when you really felt like crying, he would pick you up when you felt like the world was collapsing on top of you. When you had no more hope he would look you in the eyes and say don't worry grootman, you'll operate this one."
Other celebs spoke about Riky Rick and this is what they had to say:
Langa Mavuso: "Riky embodied a spirit of love and uplifting. He gave so much of himself to the youth and to music. Culture was moved by him and we should be forever grateful. May his family and close friends be comforted and protected during this time. Siyabonga Makhado."
Julius Malema said: "We love you my man; we did not listen to your loud whisper. We thought we still had time, and unfortunately, we are now too late to intervene."
Makhadzi: "At this stage of life I will never judge anyone or any CELEBRITY who take their own life. We don't have people to talk to ,because most of the people who are closest friends they are the one who mostly betraying us.
"Instead of helping us they go around bragging about our situation just to prove that they know us better. When it comes to our fans , there are those ones who always want likes and share by insulting and humiliating us with the situation that we cannot change.
"I wish if our fans they know that we are human beings like any other human. We feel pain like anyone especially when you found out that millions of people they are making fun about situation that you cannot change .how do you survive that if you are nor strong."
Connie Ferguson: "Don’t be fooled by people who look like they have it all together. People are going through the most! BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE."
Riky's family has since issued a statement asking for privacy, “The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing,” reads the statement. “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."
