Riky Rick’s ‘Boss Zonke Forever’ Soars To 5 Million Streams In Just One Week. A week after its highly anticipated release, Riky Rick’s posthumous album Boss Zonke Forever has taken the music world by storm, racking up an astonishing 5 million streams across major platforms.
The 17-track masterpiece, a heartfelt tribute to the late South African hip-hop icon Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado, has claimed the number one spot on Spotify’s SA Weekly Album chart and secured the number two position on Apple Music, proving that Riky’s legacy continues to resonate deeply with fans and the culture he helped shape.
Released on April 4, 2025, exactly a decade after Riky’s groundbreaking debut Family Values, Boss Zonke Forever is more than an album—it’s a celebration of a visionary who redefined South African music, fashion, and youth empowerment. Curated with love by Riky’s family and longtime collaborators, the project blends his signature bold anthems with introspective ballads, showcasing the versatility that made him a household name.
Tracks like the star-studded “Cishe Ngaposta,” featuring 25K, Focalistic, Blxckie, and others, and the soul-stirring “Higher Power” with Lusanda, have ignited social media, with fans hailing the album as a fitting crown for SA hip-hop’s eternal king.
Sony Music Africa announced the milestone with uncontainable excitement, stating, “1 WEEK in, and Boss Zonke Forever has accumulated 5 million streams! 🙌🏽 Securing the number 1 album spot on Spotify and no 2 on Apple Music! 🏆💯♾️” The numbers tell only part of the story—fans have flooded platforms with messages of love, sharing how Riky’s voice feels like a guiding light three years after his passing in February 2022.
The album’s success is a testament to Riky’s enduring influence. Known for hits like “Boss Zonke” and “Sidlukotini,” he was more than a rapper—he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a cultural pioneer who founded Cottonfest. This festival continues to champion emerging talent. Boss Zonke Forever carries that torch forward, featuring a who’s-who of SA’s finest, from Cassper Nyovest and Elaine to Dee Koala and Gemini Major, each delivering performances that honour Riky’s mission to “do it for the culture.”
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