Cotton Fest – Now & Forever

“I remember seeing Riky Rick for my very first time on Television on a Lokshin Bioskop* showing titled ‘Taxi Cheeseboy’. There was something about his acting, persona and overall energy that struck me. Little to me, this actor in front of my eyes was Rikhado Makhado. That was back in 2014. It is crazy how Riky completely transformed hip-hop, fashion, culture, and even made-up new lingo we still use today. Shakespearian. His influence and energy were modern day Tupac. And although he had it all, he didn’t.

I think it’s time we all look deep within ourselves and address issues we bury with everyday smiles and facades. Our mental well-being as youth should be discussed more openly and be supported. That’s what Riky would have wanted.” – KhuleOffSite

So, back to the post…
Cotton Fest is an event that merges both known and unknown South African talent. The festival gives a platform to the diverse elements of the hip-hop culture, while fusing the gaps within the popular local movements in Mzansi.
Cotton Fest marks not only an annual event but Riky’s vision of seeing upcoming artists get their time in the limelight while pushing the culture of fashion and music.

CottonFest2019, held in Newtown, marked the beginning of the CottonFest concept. Bringing together acts such as Nasty C, AKA, Miss Cosmo, and many more to the line-up. Notable performances by A-Reece, Frank Casino and Anatii also took place on the night
Riky imagined CottonFest to be a new breed of festival for a discerning and fashion-conscious audience, also called, the ‘Cotton Eaters’.

CottonFest2020, turned up the energy from the previous year. With help from various sponsors such as MTV Base, YFM and PnP. Cotton Fest also secured its own Apple Music playlist in anticipation of the festival. Noticeably, the theme of Cotton Fest 2020 contrasts that of the previous year; the use of punchy reds and yellow brought the 2020 festival to life.
The Main stage hosted the likes of Kwesta, Emtee, Shane Eagle and many more of the country’s biggest hip-hop artists. The Rage stage showcased the new wave such as Dee Koala, Costa Titch, and The Big Hash while the Desperados stage hosted plenty of amapiano.


This year’s #COTTONFEST2022 will be significant to everyone touched by Riky’s music, fashion, love, and lasting words. Ricky has allowed Cotton Fest to become one of the most important events in South Africa’s hip-hop social calendar. It’s a festival that resonated with the current generation of hip-hop and urban artists, a group that hasn’t been afforded the privilege to showcase their craft and handshakes in a magnitude this large.

Below is a playlist I curated months ago dedicated to Riky. I am reminded of much of a creative genius he was with every listen. Riky’s influence and spirit will forever live on.

-WE NEVER DIE. WE MULTIPLY.

Apple Music 🔗: https://music.apple.com/za/playlist/riky-rick-a-closer-look/pl.u-kv9lbyLC7l6Ny3B

Spotify 🔗: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/398gyPJvCNOqcWpRY2Kwxi?si=15666130764441c9

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Legend

Lokshin Bioskop: a low budget film or video set/shot in the township.