Riky Rick

Riky Rick whose real name is Rikhado Makhado was born on 20th July 1987 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He is a South African rapper. Multi-talented entertainer most well known as a rapper, but also skilled as an actor, writer, and producer. He produces his own unique sound by harmonizing a blend of South African hip hop and kwaito. Also known for his love of fashion and is a big supporter of the local fashion scene. Riky started out recording music with his friends and soon decided to take up rapping as a career.

The South African rapper, fashion pundit, producer and all round trailblazer continues to challenge normative views of what a rapper, especially within the realms of South Africa, should sound and dress like, and consistently chooses to venture off left when everyone else goes right.

Spending most of his childhood in Austria, the rapper developed a love and keen interest for sneakers. Thus, ushering in his fanaticism for fashion. Over the years, Riky’s self expression through his threads continues to provoke the status quo and embodies a unique sense of style along with a sense of self-assuredness. Due to his eccentric and idiosyncratic outfit choices, Makhado is no stranger to negative backlash.

Early Life

Riky Rick was born Rikhado Makhado in the KwaMashu township located in the north of the city of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

Riky was raised primarily by his maternal grandmother. His parents separated and later divorced when he was a baby. His father moved to Johannersburg. His mother was an academic who studied in South Africa and United Kingdom to become an advocate. He is one of eight children, all boys; he has a total of seven brother, four brothers from his mother’s side and three brothers from his father’s side.

Career

Riky Rick's first side of music began at a recording studio session with Bongani Fassie. It was by Bongani's side that Rick was inspired to make his own music.^[1]

That is when he released his first single "Barbershop" featuring Da L.E.S.^[2] He then rose to fame by the release of his hit single "Nafukwa" which was a big success.^[3] He then released "Amantombozane" which was followed by "Amantombozane (Remix)" featuring fellow South African recording artists OkMalumkoolKat, Maggz, Kwesta, Ginger Bread Man, Kid X, Nadia Nakai and DJ Dimplez.^[4]

He then released his major debut single "Boss Zonke" which peaked at number 3 on the SA Hip Hop Top Ten List. That is when he released his fifth hit single "Sondela" which was dedicated to his real love, featuring Zano.^[5]

On 26 June, Rick released the single "Sidlukotini".^[6]

Riky released his debut album ‘Family Values’ back in 2014.

Riky Rick recently released the Scooby Snacks EP that features only one artist, Frank Casino. It includes the tracks "Oh Lord", "Bandz Over Fans" and "Family" (featuring Frank Casino).^[7]

He released a new song, "Buy It Out", on 15 September 2017.^[8]

In October 2017, he released his EP titled Stay Shining under his label Cotton Club Records and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment Africa. The EP featured the song "Stay Shining" featuring Cassper Nyovest, Professor, Major League Djz and producer Alie Keys. The follow-up single from the EP, "Murdah", features Davido and Gemini Major.

Career: Early 2010's

Riky Rick has beenin the industry pushing his music for since 2008 and is finally in the forefront of the Hip Hop game today.

He attended a boarding school; it has been reported that it was there that he started his journey in music. After matriculating (from Hilton College as reported by the Daily Sun) Riky Rick enrolled at AFDA, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, where he studied film production.

He rose to fame with his single "Nafukwa" after previously releasing his debut single "Barbershop."

Rick has been featured in numerous fashion editorials for a range of clothing labels.[viii]

Endorsements

Riky Rick has been named as the new face of Vaseline men.

In December 2016, Russian Bear teamed up with Riky Rick to release a fresh new limited edition Russian Bear x Riky Rick bottle.

Ricky was personally invited to the Gucci Fall Winter 2017 in Italy.

Television

In 2015 he appeared on e.tv’s reality show, Rolling with…Celeb Edition. He has also appeared on Mzansi Magic’s IsiBaya as music producer, Mandellic.

Awards

He received two nominations at the 2014 Channel O awards, four at the 2014 South African Hip Hop Awards and one nomination at the 2014 South African Music Awards.

Personal life

Riky Rick suffered from an alcohol and drug addiction for a long time.^[9] He has now been clean for one year.

He is in a relationship with Bianca Naidoo and they have a son and a daughter together, Malik Daniel Makhado, who was born on 19TH March 2014.

His first born son, Maik Daniel Makhado,^[10] appears on the Family Values album cover.

Discography

References

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