South African rapper Riky Rick has died aged 34, his family have confirmed.
The star passed away in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
The Mirror reports Riky, whose real name is Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, was committed to nurturing and developing emerging talent, his loved ones said in a tribute.
"Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky 'Ricky' Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg," a statement released to DRUM on behalf of the Makhado family read.
"Affectionately known as Riky Rick across the globe, he was deeply loved by his family, friends and the entire entertainment industry. His love for family, friends, and community is well known. Riky's nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered," the statement continued.
No cause of death has officially been revealed.
Fans have been paying their respects to the musician, designer and businessman on social media.
One heartbroken fan typed: "Riky Rick was really a quality human at every encounter… if this is true… we’ve lost a really bright light in our industry."
Another added: "My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Riky Rick What a loss. He was always good to me and supported me. He will be remembered through his music and humility. A true game-changer always looking to uplift the youth."
A third joined in: "no one believed in the youth the way Riky Rick did; and for that we’ll forever be grateful."
The musician - who was the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records and also a member of Boyz N Bucks - left a cryptic message on Twitter the same day he died.
The father of two penned: "I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home."
The artist rose to fame when he released his single Nafukwa in 2014.
The following year he released his debut studio album Family Values which became certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa.
In 2005, Riky opened up on battling alcohol addiction and shared that he went into therapy with Channel 24.
He said his struggle was because he used to put on a facade as he had "a lot of symptoms of personal struggles" but "couldn't speak about what's wrong."
Riky leaves behind wife Bianca Naidoo.
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