'Riky gave me my first stab at stardom'

Music producer Profound, who teamed up with the late rapper Riky Rick, says he is grateful he got his first break from him.

Profound, real name Morapeli Dennis Masilo, spoke to Sowetan as the entertainment industry prepares to bid farewell to Riky, born Rikhado Muziwendlovu Chifaro Makhado, in a private ceremony in Johannesburg today.

Masilo, whose single Abangani Bami saw him blow up and make a name for himself , followed this with a win on the Remy Producers SA competition, which resulted in him teaming up with Riky and Emtee on the vibrant summer jam. 

“I think the first notable thing was that Riky gave me a lot of advice, especially because at the time I was really just producing behind the scenes,” he said.

“Although I worked with a lot of artists, he is kind of like the first artist that gave me the confidence that I needed to break out and be my own brand and just stand as my own artist.” 

He said Riky insisted on having the song released under his own brand.

“That threw me off completely but by doing so those tutorials and the guidance he gave throughout the creation of the song built me to be who I am today. Not only did he do that for me but Riky, funny enough, is the first established artist to ever shout my name out on a song. The first-ever record that I put out under my own brand has the biggest co-sign. That is huge for an upcoming artist,” he said.

“To this day, it’s not easy to get an artist that’s really driven to (help) break you out.” 

Mzansi was left shaken by the news of Riky’s passing at the age of 34, with reports saying the rapper had taken his own life. Big Brother Mzansi’s latest evictee, Vyno Miller, expressed great sadness at the news of Riky’s passing . 

Vyno, real name Bongani Sikhukhula, was friends with Riky Rick.

He said the news had caught him off-guard and he was still trying to deal with the myriad of emotions he was feeling.

“I wouldn’t want to say much about his passing but I am deeply hurt and affected. More than anything, I am trying to navigate the emotions of it all. It’s new to me and still highly sensitive,” he said.