Riky Rick’s multi-layered Cotton Fest postponed to April 2022

Since Riky Rick’s passing on Wednesday 23 February, thousands of South African hip-hop fans have called for Cotton Fest to continue in honour of the rapper’s legacy. In a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday 9 March, the rapper’s team announced that the hip-hop festival will be postponed to 23 and 24 April. This comes after the festival was originally scheduled to take place on 19 and 20 March.

COTTON FEST 2022 

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday 26 January, Riky Rick announced that Cotton Fest would take place at The Station in Newtown, Johannesburg and will be a bigger experience than ever before.

“This year we bring you the University of Cotton Fest. Our multi-layered festival campus experience includes three stages featuring over 100 of South Africa’s finest performers and DJs.”

The last Cotton Fest took place in February 2020, just one month before the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Africa.

COTTON FEST 2022 POSTPONED 

In honour of Riky Rick’s legacy, the festival’s team has announced that the hip-hop festival will take place this year. It has been postponed to 23 and 24 April.

Taking to Instagram, the team wrote: “We appreciate the outpouring of love, support and appreciation for Riky’s contribution to the culture.”

“Riky was passionate about the development of young creatives and inspired positivity within South Africa’s entertainment industry.”

“The Cotton Fest team will keep his vision alive by bringing Cotton Eaters together to celebrate the fusion of music and fashion.”

TWEEPS WEIGH IN 

Reacting to the postponement of the hip-hop festival, many were pleased the annual event would still go on.

One tweep wrote: “Doing it without Riky is almost unimaginable, but I’m certain he would have wished for it to still take place.”

Another tweep suggested the festival moves to a bigger venue.

“Maybe FNB Stadium to avoid stampedes and injuries,” wrote the tweep.

“Let’s operate this one now.”