The late South African rapper Riky Rick will be honoured with the release of his final album, Boss Zonke Forever, set to drop on April 4, 2025. This announcement was made by his partner Bianca Naidoo, MTV Base, and his record label, Sony Music Africa, on social media, marking the third anniversary of his passing.
Bianca Naidoo shared a touching post on social media with the simple caption, “Forever, forever ever,” accompanied by the album’s tracklist. The album features collaborations with some of South Africa’s top hip-hop stars, including Cassper Nyovest, Bixckie, 25K, and Gemini Major. It also highlights rising talents like female rappers Dee Koala and K.Keed. The album’s diversity extends beyond hip-hop, with soulful vocalists like Elaine, Lusanda, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Nia Pearl, and Lloyiso contributing to the project, showcasing Riky Rick’s wide-ranging influence across genres.
MTV Base South Africa shared that Boss Zonke Forever serves as “a final tribute to the artist’s unmatched influence” in the music industry. The album release will celebrate Riky Rick’s legacy, which continues to resonate with fans and industry figures alike.
Riky Rick, whose real name was Rikhado Makhado, tragically passed away on February 23, 2022, at the age of 34, in what was reported as an apparent suicide. His death left a profound impact on the South African music scene.
Riky Rick rose to prominence in the 2010s with hit songs like Boss Zonke, Amantombazane, and Sondela, earning a reputation as one of the most influential artists in the country. His album Family Values, released in 2015, went platinum, and he won two South African Hip Hop Awards in 2021. Beyond music, Riky Rick was a pioneer in fashion and culture, founding the renowned music and arts festival Cotton Fest and becoming known for his bold fashion choices, including fur coats, embroidered suits, and patterned outfits.
The release of Boss Zonke Forever ensures that Riky Rick’s influence and artistry will live on, continuing to inspire fans and artists across the country.
On behalf of the Makhado family. We would like to announce the release of Riky Rick’s final album, Boss Zonke Forever. 4 April 2025 @RikyRickFdn @CottonFestJHB #BossZonkeForever #RikyRick pic.twitter.com/WYFKt3SI0k
— Sony Music Africa (@SonyMusicAfrica) February 23, 2025
