Riky Rick, the rapper, songwriter, record producer, The Voice coach, actor, has a list of jobs that looks comes from someone’s dream LinkedIn profile. Besides his formal titles, he is also a father and a husband. It seems almost impossible for one person to juggle so many roles but Riky Rick almost makes it sound easy. And you get the sense that he takes everything that he does seriously and with respect. He doesn’t take anything for granted and it shows in his work ethic.
He is one of South Africa’s most successful hip hop artists whose record company, Cotton Club Records, hosted Cotton Fest in Johannesburg at the beginning of February for the ‘fashion and music lover’ and featured a star-studded lineup including AKA, Nasty C, Kwesta as well as a host of newcomers.
Related: Riky Rick Joins as a Coach on The Voice South Africa Season 3
Here’s Riky’s Rick latest song to get you in the mood:
We sat down to chat to the star about fashion, music, acting and being a father:
After the success of Cotton Fest and your role as a coach on The Voice SA, how important would you say mentoring young musicians is to you?
I would say it is very important. I always feel that my goal is to pass on a bit of myself, of what I’ve learnt, onto the next generation of musicians. With Cotton Fest I learned that we need more properties that we own. It felt good to create a community for fellow musicians. Whereas The Voice gives me the chance to work with and support up-and-coming musicians. I enjoy being a mentor but I don’t think mentorship is for everyone, not everyone wants the best for you.
Alongside your jobs as a rapper, songwriter and record producer, you have also acted in Rhythm City and Isibaya, what have you enjoyed about acting?
I don’t really enjoy acting. I don’t like having to pretend to be someone else, but I really respect actors and their craft. I respect how hard they work. Many think the job is easy but being able to step aside from yourself and be a completely different person is hard work. So if I’m asked to act, I’m always willing to do it.
Related: The Meaning Behind Riky Rick’s SAMA Outfit that Caused a Twitter Frenzy
Who would you say your biggest musical influences are right now?
I’m listening to a lot of jazz music right now like Kamasi Washington, Frank Ocean and Thundercat. I’m inspired by their bravery more than their sound, they aren’t scared to test boundaries and to do exactly what they want to do.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to try everything once. I never wanted to be that guy that wears the same thing, that’s predictable. My own original style has got me into some interesting places. And where you dress uniquely people are drawn to you and it creates an opportunity to make conversations that you might not have had. A lot of kids use style and presentation to show how they feel, as they leave school and start to find their own identity, fashion often becomes that outlet.
What were some of the toughest challenges with making it as a rapper in South Africa?
I think just like any other industry, there is a big challenge of finding a space for yourself amongst all the other young musicians looking for a chance.
What do you think is one of the most important lessons you have learnt as a father?
Patience, definitely. Also that you can’t be too smart. You could be having the worst day and when you get home your children will demand your attention and remind you of your role as a father, your importance in their life. It keeps you humble, you almost have to start afresh, and forget everything you thought you knew and there are so many opportunities to learn from them.
What’s next for you?
I’m busy working on a new album, and of course, to win The Voice.
Listen to Riky Rick’s music on Spotify here:
Featured Image: Instagram: @rikyrickworld
