The Late Riky Rick On How Mpura’s Passing Had Affected Him. Following the passing on Mpura last year, artists like Riky Rick are some of the people who found it hard to believe that Mpura was gone. There were moments when the rapper was lost for words, took deep sighs and even held tears back.In the video, Rick discussed the downside of the music industry and said when you come across someone like Mpura, you should take care of and celebrate them.
In one of his last interviews, Riky said life was too short to not live it to the fullest. How the death of his friends and Amapiano stars Killer Kau, Mpura Mpura, TD, and Thando Tot, who died in a car crash on their way to a concert in the North West, was a wakeup call. “It has taught me to appreciate people and be cognisant of every moment spent with people because they don’t last forever,” he said. It’s really about learning to appreciate people and everything that we go through daily and making time for family and loved ones.”
A few years ago, Riky spoke openly about his past addiction to drugs and overcoming addiction. It hasn’t been easy, but the family has kept me grounded. Had it not been for a stable family, I would not be where I am today. I am in a very good place. Back then I was wild in my 20s, I am not in my 30 and I have grown up and learned to be better, taking care of my health and communicating better.”
Riky said the best advice he would give a younger version of himself is to stay grounded and be true to who you are.“The younger version of me was a people pleaser. The difference is now it’s easier to communicate about how I feel, what I like, what I don’t like. I have my own opinion and am not afraid to take a different direction to everyone instead of going with the flow and what everyone is doing,” he said. “I learned it’s okay to be myself and do what pleases me. I have been helping new artists and for some reason, I am still here doing things myself. I would tell the younger version of me that it’s okay to be different.”
