JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South African hip-hop star Riky Rick has died from an apparent suicide, South African media reported on Wednesday.
He was 34.
The Sunday World newspaper said the singer, real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, hung himself with a rope at his Johannesurg home after battling depression.
There is evidence the singer was alive around 3.20AM on Wednesday when he tweeted: “I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.”
The married star was reportedly found by his management team barely clinging to life at around 8.30AM. He died as he was being taken to a nearby hospital, the Sunday World reported.
The Ungazincishi star was founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records. He was well-known for his fashion sense and setting trends.
On Valentine’s Day, Riky Rick set tongues wagging on social media when he posted a video of himself and his wife, Bianca Naidoo.
In the video Riky Rick and Bianca are dancing along to the rapper’s latest song, Sondela. He is seen calling Bianca to come closer and she eventually joins him on the video’s main frame.
Bianca, many observed, appeared largely disinterested in her partner’s romantic gesture.
Riky Rick’s followers responded with such as “she looks sad”, “it’s like you are forcing her” and “she looks bored”.
The singer’s fans however noted that she was not active on social media and is known to be “camera shy.”
