Boss Zonke, Boss bonke akanandaba, unehaba, KwaMashu naseMlazi… (couldn’t help but invite you to sing along). The late multi award-winning rapper Riky Rick stays shining even in the afterlife.

The talented music and fashion icon is to be honoured posthumously with the The Global Visionary Award at this year’s BET Awards.

The awards recognise and honour champions of culture, including artists, DJs, and music industry professionals who have made ground-breaking efforts to expand the culture of hip-hop on the world stage. Riky Rick is the inaugural recipient of this award. 

Speaking to Nounouche in a statement, Riky Rick’s mother Louisa Zondo said the award comes as a heart-warming opportunity to celebrate Rikhado’s life and his deep love for humanity. 

“I see the award as a recognition of the positive impact of the music Rikhado shared with us. The award also highlights how Rikhado used arts and culture as an important and effective pathway for people to truly connect with, care for and be seen by each other,” she said. 

While Nounouche cover star Bianca Naidoo said as Riky’s family, “we are moved and honoured to receive the BET Global Visionary Award on behalf of our beloved, Riky“.

“This award honours his work and his name. I am so proud that his work is still making a positive impact within the entertainment space and that his legacy continues to inspire young creatives. This award reminds us of his love for his fans and for the culture” she said. 

Speaking on behalf of BET, Monde Twala, Senior Vice president and General Manager, Paramount Africa and Peer Lead, BET International said “Riky Rick means so much to so many of us, not just South African hip-hop fans but globally beyond the mic.“

“His impact in changing the South African hip-hop game to be more inclusive, particularly in encouraging young creatives to take control of their destiny and dare to dream bigger, endures as one of his most influential and lasting legacies. His legacy continues to inspire and together with Bianca, we hope to honour Riky by championing a new generation of black creatives while celebrating his life and what he stood for,” he said. 

Ricky Rick passed away earlier this year due to mental health struggles, and his death was a great loss to the music and fashion industries.

According to BET this Award aims to honour his life, work, and his lasting impact while raising awareness around mental health issues and shedding light on available coping resources. 

Riky Rick was an innovator in many spheres of culture and the world benefited greatly from his intuitive vision.