Riky Rick’s Cotton Fest comes to an end…

One of South African youth culture’s most important institutions, Riky Rick’s Cotton Fest, has officially reached the end of its run. The festival’s organisers confirmed today that the beloved event—founded by the late icon and fashion trailblazer Riky Rick—will no longer continue.

The announcement marks a significant and emotional moment for the local creative community. For seven years, Cotton Fest was more than a festival. It was a movement, a safe space, a runway for emerging talent, and a reflection of Riky Rick’s unmatched cultural influence.

But behind the scenes, the festival has undergone turbulence. After announcing early plans for the 2026 edition on social media, differences among current shareholders led to internal disputes that ultimately proved irreconcilable.

According to the organising team, a divergence in long-term vision between the involved parties put immense pressure on operations and made it impossible to continue the festival in a way that honoured the foundation Riky Rick had built.

“The most realistic path forward.”

CottonFest owner and organiser Bianca Naidoo expressed both gratitude and the difficulty of the decision:

“CottonFest has always been rooted in creativity, community, and cultural celebration focused on creating a platform for the youth to shine. While we remain extremely proud of what the festival has achieved and are deeply grateful for the support it has received from our fans, partners and the artists over the years, the differences in the festival’s vision and purpose among the two parties has made it clear to our family and the team that concluding this chapter is the most realistic path forward.”

The organising team emphasized that the choice did not come lightly. It follows careful internal review, with consideration for staff, collaborators, artists, and the community that has held Cotton Fest down since its inception.

Honoring the Legacy of Riky Rick

Riky Rick’s partner, Bianca Naidoo, along with the Makhado family, expressed deep appreciation for the countless contributors who helped elevate Cotton Fest into a cultural landmark. From breakout performers to fashion kids, creative entrepreneurs, and OGs of SA hip hop, Cotton Fest was built on the spirit of unity, collaboration, and youth empowerment—values Riky held dear.

Even as the formal festival concludes, the team echoed a commitment to preserving Riky’s legacy and nurturing the creative ecosystem he championed.

Not the End—Just an Evolution

While Cotton Fest as a festival will no longer continue in its current structure, the Creative Programme, launched in 2025, is here to stay. The initiative has already created pathways for young talent throughout the year—mentorships, workshops, showcases, and collaborative projects—and will continue to grow.

This signals that even though the festival stage is going dark, the mission behind Cotton Fest lives on.

The team remains optimistic about new platforms, new ideas, and new ways to support creativity and elevate young voices—keeping the Cotton Fest ethos alive in a different form.

Refund Information

Current ticket holders can request full refunds through Webtickets starting today, using the platform’s self-help process.