Boss Zonke Forever: Rebellion, Redemption, a Riky Rick Reminder

To the dreamers, the cotton eaters, and the ones who dared to be great. The celebration of rebellion and creative redemption was a lesson well taught by Rikhado Makhado. Without saying it, he showed us how to be defiant, encouraged us to lean into our own influence, and, most importantly, trust in the obscurity of our authentic selves.

In all ways, Riky Rick believed in the kids. He believed in the culture. And in his final masterclass act, Boss Zonke Forever—a posthumous album—becomes the closing mantra that captures his contagious energy, his essence. Cementing his legacy as a culture custodian, he remains a great reflection of talent meeting bravery.

Boss Zonke, the Enigma 

It really feels like yesterday when the country echoed the words: “Boss Zonke, boss noLnke, Akanandaba, unehaba. KwaMashu naseMlazi, Umswenko bayamazi.” Almost a decade has passed, yet the impact of that moment remains undeniable. For those who remember, it was more than just a song—it was an anthem. A proud moment for hip-hop fans, knowing their fav’ finally got one.

To the unplugged, this track became a calling card and the timeless soundscape that defined Riky. Nuanced in his approach, he paid homage to cultural influences while boldly challenging the way we consumed visuals. His arsenal of timeless catchphrases became an iconic signature, ironically proving the very line: “Everything I say, they wanna say, they wanna say.”

Boss Zonke, the Album 

The album contains all-new material and was executive-produced by Herc Cut The Lights and Shishiliza. They collaborated with 21 other artists to bring the project to life, releasing it to the world on April 4, 2025. The release was preceded by three singles in early 2025, which gained commercial success, building anticipation.

It’s a heartwarming ode to the music industry after so much loss in the past few years. Its timing is canon. It adds to Riky’s already electrifying discography with new anthems, motivational Scooby snacks, and cinematic name-drops of unattainable fashion brands.

Beyond its sonic feats, it continues the very work Riky Rick was best known for—lifting the next generation of talent. Empowering the youth. And trust… we could use a Big Bro right now.

At best, this is the baton pass to the future of South African hip-hop. Lead singles like Cishe Ngaposta (ft. 25K, Blue Pappi, Blxckie, Focalistic, K.Keed & Lowfeye) suggest that the game is in a good space—and maybe it’s time we trust the kids.

Other notable mentions include Owami (ft. Baby S.O.N, Lawd Weezy & Lwah Ndlunkulu), which brings Riky’s signature warmth and endearing nature into the mix.

As for me? My personal highlight is Emotions—a song that reflects the unspoken pain that may have often shrouded Riky. It serves as an introspective moment for both rappers, as Cassper Nyovest relates and gracefully carries the weight of a friend beyond their differences, leaving behind the message that it’s okay for a man to cry.

As this project reveals, Riky Rick had a rare ability to be unapologetically vulnerable—baring his flaws for all to see before covering them in the latest designer threads. I guess people want to be around real, and that’s what he offered. He brought the room together—fostering collaborations across different acts and genres while embracing the other side. Yet another reminder of why he is missed and why his influence extends beyond the craft he shared. His ability to co-sign talent without overshadowing their efforts was unmatched.

Boss Zonke, the Future

If anything, this is a reminder of why he chose to believe in us. Why he bet everything on the Culture. Why he broke the mold and encouraged us to color outside the industry's framework. Why Cotton Fest lives beyond his own story. Why we honor him effortlessly, in our own way.

Perhaps, at best, this might provide a little closure for those who needed to hear Rikhado Makhado’s voice one last time—his final thoughts, his tlean boisterous plugging, his infamous “EISH” and tagline “Let’s do it like this,” and the pain he carried so blissfully so that we could find the hero in ourselves.

We thank you, Rikhado Makhado, for being you. We thank the camp and estate for sharing this body of work, allowing South Africa a post-credit moment beyond the final roll. Ndiyabulela from us at Stagnot. Long Live Riky Rick. #BossZonkeForever