Rasta has been trending on social media after an image of what Twitter speculates to be late rapper Riky Rick surfaced.
Muvhango actor and musician Dingaan Khumalo came out on social media to address the painting.
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Speaking with a broken heart, he called on South Africans to grow up.
“I’m coming to you guys with a very heavy heart. Very heavy heart because I’m sad, I’m embarrassed and I’m ashamed.
“Guys I’m not going to say anything about Riky’s passing. I don’t know Riky personally, but Riky is a brother in the arts. That’s not the reason why I am making this video. I am making this video because I’m ashamed, I am sad. I feel heart broken. Why am I saying this?’
He makes it clear that the painting that has been making the rounds is not of Riky but of him. He made a request to Rasta to paint it for him as he wanted to use it as promo for his album.
“I have seen Riky passed away yesterday, today the entire day I’ve been receiving pictures from people. Pictures that were drawn by Rasta by the way, let me just clarify something…
“The portrait that Rasta made, he made it for me last year December when I released my album. He did not make the picture for Riky. The audacity that you people have of taking that picture and making it a mockery out of it,” he adds.
Dingaan asks South Africans to show a bit of respect to Riky’s family as they are mourning.
“Do you not understand why people who are hurt they never speak? Do you now understand why people who are depressed never saying anything to you because when they say stuff to you guys, you take their pain and make mockery out of it? What’s wrong with you South Africans? I’m talking about everyone.
“Why would you take Riky’s death and make mockery out of it. Guys Riky is a father, Riky was a husband, Riky was a son, Riky was a brother, Riky was a friend. How do you think Riky’s family feels at this moment, when you are busy circulating my picture and saying rest in peace Riky?
“How do you think they feel right now? Why are you taking Riky’s death and making a mockery out of it?” He shared.
Riky Rick passed away on Wednesday morning, his family confirmed through an official statement.
“The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing. Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky Rick sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning, 23 February in Johannesburg.
"He was deeply loved by his family, friend, 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.
"The Makhado family humbly requests privacy to go through this extreemly difficult period of grieving. The family has not appointed a spokesperson at this point and they ask that you please keep them in your prayers.
”The express gratitude for the messages of comfort they've received and will communicate funeral and memorial details at a later stage.
"The family are also deeply thanful for and and appreciates the countless messages of love and support received. These are deeply felt.
“Details of the funeral and memorial will be communicated at a later stage.
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