When the news broke that rapper Riky Rick had passed on, the first person that many people thought of was dance sensation Uncle Vinny. He has finally broken his long silence, with a tribute to the rapper.
The dancer recently took to Instagram to share a picture of himself with Riky. In the picture, they seem to be on stage together, like Riky was rapping and Vinny was listening intently.
He only attached a brief caption “Only God Knows”. For those who know how hard he must be taking the news, that brief statement was enough to communicate the heaviness in his heart.
The two of them were very close. In fact, Riky Rick was the one who gave Uncle Vinny the exposure he now has. He discovered him and took him under his wing, bringing him into the industry and opening doors for him to meet the right people and access the right kinds of gigs, so that his career could grow and flourish.
He has also shared a screenshot of the encouragement that Riky would give him via text, telling him to go after what he wanted. There are also pictures of them together, in which it is clear that they enjoyed a close friendship, and Riky was almost like a father or a great big brother to Uncle Vinny.
The rapper was always passionate about introducing newcomers into the industry and giving them the exposure they need to be great. Many of his social media posts, as well as his interviews, were about the youth and who is going to give them their shot. Not only has this generation lost a great legend, the next generation has also lost one of its biggest champions.
Messages of condolences have been streaming in for those who were close to the rapper. Uncle Vinny’s comments section is filled with fans who empathise with his loss, and are willing to hope and pray that the pain lessens for him soon.
Riky’s wife, Bianca Naidoo, has received some heartbreaking words from TV presenter and actress Bontle Modiselle.
"I’m so sorry Bianca, for everything. I’m so sorry for your children, your family. I wish this wasn’t your reality. The thought of what you’re left to face is unbearable. I wish it was different. No words can be enough. May you be wrapped in our prayers for you. God, may your presence be felt now more than ever. Ho bohloko empa holokile," she wrote.
We wish his family and friends our sincere condolences during this trying time.