CAPE TOWN - With the ongoing flood of love and support from the public and the South African entertainment industry at large following the death of local hip hop pioneer Riky Rick, the Cotton Fest team on Wednesday confirmed that the two-day sold out festival planned for later this month had been postponed to April.
“Following the endless endearing tributes and messages from across the globe over the past two weeks, the decision, together with Riky Rick’s family, was made to move forward with the highly-anticipated lifestyle festival,” organisers said in a statement.
Riky Rick, real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, died of suicide on February 23, aged 34.
Known for showcasing the diversities in various music genres with the aim of fusing the gaps within the different local movements, the Cotton Fest founder had created the festival to merge both well-known and young emerging SA artists.
“We have to continue to keep his spirit and legacy alive. What better way to do this than to continue the work Riky has already started. Cotton Fest needs to go ahead as planned by him,” Riky Rick’s wife Bianca Naidoo said.
“His love and belief in showcasing young and upcoming talent is unquestionable, which is how Cotton Fest came about a few years back. And in his own words - we never die, we multiply. Let’s build on this energy and continue to spread the love and light at a time when we need it the most,” she said.
Cotton Fest will now take place on April 23 and 24 in Newtown, Johannesburg.
“The team apologises for any inconvenience caused to current ticket holders who might not be able to attend on these new days.”
The weekend line-up will be announced later this month.
For more information follow the festivals social media handles:
INSTAGRAM @CottonFestJHB / TWITTER @CottonFestJHB / FACEBOOK @CottonFest
Cape Times