Riky Rick’s voice lives on in ‘Words that Heal’: a song promoting mental health awareness

The late South African rapper Riky Rick’s legacy continues to inspire through music with the release of “Words that Heal”, a track dedicated to raising awareness about mental health.

The song was unveiled by Sandton City Mall in collaboration with the Riky Rick Foundation. It transforms public messages of hope into music meant to comfort, strengthen and possibly save lives.

In an Instagram post, Sandton City Mall wrote: “Breaking the silence, and raising our voices for mental health. Driven by your powerful messages of hope, we’ve been working in the studio on something truly meaningful - something we believe has the power to change, and even save, lives."

"In partnership with the @RikyRickFoundation, we’re proud to share ‘Words that Heal’ - an original song featuring Riky Rick’s voice and some of your heartfelt messages. Follow our social channels for updates on when and where you can stream it.”

The song is set to be released on Friday, October 10.

The Riky Rick Foundation was established to honour the life of the late rapper, who passed away in February 2022. 

The foundation promotes “artivism”, the intersection of artistic expression and activism, advocating for mental wellness, creativity and social awareness, particularly among South Africa’s youth.

Mental health remains a pressing concern in the country, affecting people across age groups and backgrounds.

Through “Words that Heal”, the mall aims to create a space where individuals can offer support to others by sharing personal messages of encouragement with anyone struggling mentally.

The project provides both a platform and a reminder that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. 

Recognising that South African youth are among the most affected by mental health issues, the mall and the foundation recently launched the “Words that Heal" tour.

Their first stop was at Kingsmead College in Johannesburg, where they engaged students in meaningful conversations about the pressure to be perfect and the importance of seeking help when needed.

In addition to the song and tour, the mall has announced the upcoming “Words that Heal” experiential pop-up shop.

The store will feature limited-edition hoodies, t-shirts and scarves created by celebrated artist and curator Samurai Farai.

Every purchase supports the Riky Rick Foundation’s mission to create safe spaces for youth and champion creative expression as a path to healing.

For immediate mental health support in South Africa, contact the South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567.