The landmark South African cultural festival Riky Rick’s CottonFest has officially been cancelled and disbanded — bringing a bittersweet end to one of the country’s most influential youth-culture gatherings. Organisers confirmed that internal disputes among shareholders have made it impossible to continue the festival in a way that honours the vision and standards set by its late founder.
Founded in 2019, CottonFest emerged as a vibrant celebration of music, fashion, art and youth culture. For seven years, it provided a platform for emerging creatives, showcasing local talent across genres — from hip hop and amapiano to street fashion and visual arts — and giving South Africa’s youth a space to shine.
Even after Riky Rick’s tragic passing in 2022, the festival persevered. His partner, Bianca Naidoo, along with the extended family and organising team, continued to uphold his legacy — transforming CottonFest into a living tribute that blended remembrance with creativity.
Why CottonFest Is Ending
This year, organisers had announced plans for a 2026 edition — but behind the scenes, significant conflict had been brewing. According to multiple media reports, “differences among the current shareholders” resulted in deep disagreements over the festival’s direction.
After a thorough internal review, the organisers said it became clear the shareholders “no longer share the same long-term vision.” That divergence placed unbearable strain on operations and made it impossible to continue the festival in a manner consistent with Riky Rick’s original values.
As Bianca Naidoo put it: “CottonFest has always been rooted in creativity, community and cultural celebration focused on creating a platform for the youth to shine.” She expressed pride in what the festival had accomplished and deep gratitude for supporters — but admitted the split in vision meant “concluding this chapter is the most realistic path forward.”
What Happens Next?
Although CottonFest as a festival is ending, organisers say the spirit behind it will live on. Launched in 2025, the CottonFest Creative Programme — an initiative aimed at nurturing young talent year-round — will continue to operate. Through workshops, mentorships, smaller events and community-driven projects, the programme plans to carry forward the festival’s legacy of youth empowerment and creative collaboration.
For those who already purchased tickets for the canceled 2026 festival, full refunds are available through the ticketing platform Webtickets. Organisers urged ticket holders to use Webtickets’ self-help portal to request reimbursements.
In their farewell message, the CottonFest team — Bianca Naidoo together with the wider Makhado family — thanked fans, artists, partners and the broader creative community for more than seven years of unwavering support. They acknowledged that, despite the pain of closing this chapter, their commitment to fostering creativity and celebrating young voices remains undiminished.
CottonFest’s Legacy: More Than Just a Festival
CottonFest meant more than weekend concerts and fashion shows — it was a cultural movement. For many young South Africans, it offered mentorship, exposure, and a sense of belonging in a space that celebrated individuality, creativity and artistic ambition.
Its reach went beyond Johannesburg: editions also took place in Cape Town and Durban, helping foster creative networks across the country and amplifying voices from different provinces.
Even though the stages will no longer light up with massive crowds, CottonFest’s true legacy — its dedication to youth culture, its support for rising artists, and its embodiment of Riky Rick’s vision — has set a standard for what community-led festivals can achieve. The Creative Programme represents a new, evolving chapter: one that hopes to preserve that heritage while adapting to the realities behind the scenes.
As the CottonFest team said: this isn’t the end — it’s transformation. In their own words: “We never die. We multiply.”
