MUSIC INDUSTRY MOURNS TWO MUSICAL TALENTS – TUMELO MAFOKO AND RICKY RICK!
This past week was a sad one for the music industry, following the untimely demise of two musical greats, local instrumentalist and producer, Tumelo Mafoko, and South African rapper Ricky Rick, who has performed in Botswana a few times, most notably at the GIMC concert.
**Tumelo Mafoko
There is no doubt that the angels are singing to welcome in their fold this brilliant musical beast who was behind several wonderful musical offerings. Mafoko made his spiritual transition late last week following a short illness. Skonkovia, as he was popularly known, was a pioneer member of Stream Jazz band, having broken into the music industry as a keyboardist and drummer. He later developed his craft to be known as a respected music composer and producer for several local artists including Franco, Alfredo Mos and Charma Gal, among others. While jazz was his mainstay, he had admirable music versatility, as he could add dazzle to a song of any genre. Perhaps the song that earned him “street cred” was his Midas touch on the song Choose day by MMP Family featuring Charma
Gal – his brilliance on the instrumentals is something to write home about- the beat and keyboard are just so brilliant and the production out of the world! Mafoko also worked closely with local poets and was a feature of the Poetavango Maun International Arts Festival.
Many will remember Mafoko as not only a brilliant music producer and instrumentalist, but also as one of the
kindest and most soft spoken men, who was loved by many, and enjoyed great popularity in his circles because of his down to earth nature. Rest in Peace to the musical great!
**Ricky Rick
The passing on of the celebrated hip hop artist, who was born Rikhado Muziwondlovu Makhado, sent shockwaves
across Africa and the world. Ricky Rick gave us monster hits such as Sidlukhotini, Boss Zonke and Nafukwa among others. He first made his grand entry into the music industry in 2015 when he released his debut album titled Family Values, which featured hits Sondela and Amatombazane.
The album went platinum within a year of its release. Riccky Rick later established his own record label, Cotton Club Records. He passed on at just the young age of 34, but he had a portfolio that could make content for a rich documentary. Ricky Rick lived his life to the limits and gave his all with the little time he had on earth.
He also loved people deeply, most notably his industry mates, friends and family, particularly his wife and two children, who he made it clear on several ocassions that they come first
in his life. Ricky Rick proved to everyone that one can be a successful and responsible married cool parent who slays without losing touch with his roots and identity.
He was a formidable force in African pop culture, and the hip-hop artist was most popular for his originality, and down to earth nature.
He played a significant role in the hip-hop and fashion culture, creating a seamless and sought after brand as an icon in both fields. A shrewd businessnan estinated to be worth 5 million Rands, he was as also behind the annual Cotton Fest, which attracted thousands of revelers annually.
This whole weekend, endless tributes poured in for Ricky Rick from across the world, including from local artists, proving just how talented and loved he was. Rest Easy to Ricky!