Climbing Mountains After Loss: How the Mothers of Riky Rick and AKA Are Keeping Their Sons’ Spirits Alive

When two of South Africa’s brightest stars were taken far too soon, the nation mourned deeply. Behind the scenes, however, two mothers found each other through their shared grief and together have built something quietly powerful. Lynn Forbes, mother of the late rapper AKA, and Louisa Zondo, mother of Riky Rick, have formed a bond that offers strength not only to themselves but also to countless others who carry the weight of loss.

In a deeply moving Instagram post, Forbes shared a photo of the two women side by side, serene yet strong. Her words conveyed the depth of their shared sorrow and mutual mission:
“We’re still climbing together. Not always strong, but always resilient. Focused, steady, and committed to preserving their legacies.”

A Friendship Forged in Grief

The connection between Forbes and Zondo runs much deeper than tragedy. In 2018, before their lives were forever altered, they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together, an experience that has since become deeply symbolic of their shared journey through endurance, purpose, and pain.

Their sons, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado, were more than musical icons. They were close friends and cultural voices that resonated profoundly with South Africa’s youth. Both passed away far too early, leaving behind not only devoted fans but also families determined to honour their voices in meaningful and lasting ways.

“Words That Heal”: Turning Grief into Action

Zondo has been openly vocal about her son’s passing and the mental health challenges facing many young South Africans. On what would have been Riky’s 38th birthday this July, she posted a heartfelt tribute:
“Not for a single moment are you ever blurred in our hearts. Thank you for being a Good Ancestor to us.”

But remembrance is only part of the story. In partnership with Sandton City, the Riky Rick Foundation has launched Words That Heal, a nationwide campaign that harnesses art, music, and storytelling to break the silence surrounding mental health.

The initiative invites the public to submit uplifting voice notes via WhatsApp. These will be remixed into a hopeful song, a collective national embrace against despair. The campaign also raises funds to provide free therapy for young people, responding to reports that over 60 percent of South African youth struggle with mental health issues.

Art, Music, and Safe Spaces

This October, during Mental Health Month, Sandton City will expand the campaign with immersive experiences blending Riky Rick’s music and mental health awareness.

A pop-up retail space will feature limited-edition merchandise co-designed by local artist Samurai Farai, with proceeds going directly to youth mental health programmes.

This fusion of grief, creativity, and advocacy echoes Riky Rick’s own life mission. Thanks to his mother’s commitment, his legacy continues to resonate, not only through his music but also through a growing network of care and hope.

A New Kind of Legacy

In a country where loss is often all too common, this raw and public expression of grief being transformed into collective healing is truly exceptional. Forbes and Zondo are not only preserving their sons’ names but are helping to rewrite South Africa’s conversation about healing with dignity, honesty, and unwavering resolve.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• South African Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567

• SADAG Mental Health Line: 0800 456 789

Also read: E! News Cancelled After 30 Years: Why the Red Carpet Classic Couldn’t Survive the TikTok Era

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24