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A major chapter in South Africa's youth culture landscape has come to a close. The organisers of CottonFest, the influential music, fashion, and lifestyle festival founded by the late icon Riky Rick, have announced that the event will come to an end due to an irreconcilable dispute between shareholders.
The announcement, made today, confirms that the festival, which first launched in 2019 and quickly became one of Johannesburg's most important cultural calendar fixtures, will not proceed under its existing structure, despite an initial announcement for a 2026 instalment.
A legacy born of culture
Founded by Riky Rick (Rikhado Makhado), who tragically passed away in February 2022, CottonFest was designed as a vibrant, all-encompassing platform. The festival merged established giants and rising talent across music, fashion, art, and sport.
Since its inaugural event in 2019 at The Station in Newtown, the festival has been a spectacular success, growing into a multi-stage phenomenon. It's celebrated for bridging divides across genres such as Hip Hop, Amapiano, and Gqom, while consistently placing emerging local artists alongside industry heavyweights.
For many young creatives, it was the ultimate celebration and networking hub, embodying Riky Rick's vision of mentorship and collaboration.
The vision diverges
Following the founder's passing, the CottonFest team, led by Riky Rick's partner Bianca Naidoo and the Makhado family, worked to honour his spirit with the festival's return.
However, the team stated that "differences among the current shareholders have led to disputes," making it impossible to continue.
"CottonFest has always been rooted in creativity, community and cultural celebration focused on creating a platform for the youth to shine," stated CottonFest owner and organiser Bianca Naidoo.
"The differences in the festival's vision and purpose among the two parties have made it clear to our family and the team that concluding this chapter is the most realistic path forward."
The statement makes it clear that the ongoing strain prevented the festival from upholding the creative standards and community vision set out by its sole founder, Riky Rick.
The culture continues: A new beginning
While the festival itself is concluding, the statement stressed that Riky Rick's legacy of youth empowerment will continue through other means.
The Creative Programme, launched in 2025, will carry on its work to create year-round opportunities for young talent, with the team remaining "optimistic about future plans with a deeper support for creative expression in new and meaningful ways for the youth to be celebrated."
This pivot echoes the festival's iconic, post-Riky Rick motto: "We Never Die. We Multiply."
The organisers have thanked the fans, partners, and artists who supported the movement over the last seven years. Current ticket holders for the planned 2026 festival are advised that they can request full refunds immediately via the self-help process on Webtickets.
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