Virgin Music SA A&R Gareth Wilson Praises Riky Rick’s Posthumous Album as “Magic”
Virgin Music SA A&R Gareth Wilson has offered a heartfelt reflection on the posthumous album from the late South African icon Riky Rick, describing the project as a rare exception that defies the usual skepticism surrounding such releases.
In a recent social media post, Wilson shared his profound thoughts on the album, which he unequivocally declared as “magic.” Despite harboring initial reservations about posthumous projects in general, Wilson acknowledged that this particular offering stands as a perfect and powerful tribute to the beloved rapper’s enduring legacy.
“Posthumous albums mostly don’t work and mostly don’t make sense musically,” Wilson stated candidly. “Every so often though, there’s magic and this is one of those.”
Wilson credited the album’s exceptional sound to the collaborative efforts of some of South Africa’s most talented producers, including the acclaimed Shishiliza and Herc Cut The Lights. He also highlighted the tasteful and seamless curation of collaborations featured on the album, which come together to create a cohesive body of work that feels undeniably fresh, relevant, and current within the dynamic landscape of today’s music industry.
Paying homage to Riky Rick’s monumental impact on South African hip hop, Wilson added, “This is a great bow out for the man that did more for hip hop in our country than any other.”
Despite his initial wariness towards listening to the project, Wilson was quick to express how deeply powerful and emotionally moving the final product turned out to be. He emphasized that Riky Rick continues to exert a shaping influence on the industry even after his passing. “I was weary to listen to this, but it’s an amazing offering. Even from beyond, Riky Rick is still shaping our industry,” Wilson affirmed.
Riky Rick’s indelible legacy continues to resonate deeply within South African hip hop, and through this thoughtfully crafted posthumous album, his profound influence endures. As Gareth Wilson eloquently concluded, “Boss Zonke Forever ♥️.” It is clear that Riky Rick’s contributions to music transcend time, and this album serves as a powerful testament to his enduring impact on the culture.