Mlindo The Vocalist reveals how Riky Rick helped him during trying period
Mlindo the Vocalist has stirred up serious conversation on social media after a candid interview on the Piano Pulse podcast, where he opened up about the financial hardships he faced despite the success of his debut album Emakhaya and how the late Riky Rick stepped in when he had nothing.
In a snippet from the interview shared online on 24 June 2025, the AmaBlesser hitmaker revealed that during a particularly rough patch, Riky Rick gave him clothes straight from his own wardrobe after he came by the studio.
“Riky gave me clothes. He didn’t take me to the shop to buy clothes or send me money. He actually took clothes from his wardrobe when I went to the studio,” Mlindo recalled.
Fans were touched by the heartfelt story, echoing how many in the industry have similar experiences of the late rapper’s generosity and kindness.
But the tone shifted when Mlindo suggested he had not earned anything from Emakhaya, the very album that launched his career.
The project was released under DJ Maphorisa’s label, BlaqBoy Music, in 2018.
Mlindo explained how he struggled financially around the time of lockdown, despite having a hit album under his belt.
“Lockdown hit when I was home. I couldn’t be locked down this side. The coins were not coining,” he said, before adding, “Emakhaya was released 2018. Then 2019. Now it’s 2020. Which money? What money are you talking about?”
The interview has since sparked outrage online, with many directing criticism at DJ Maphorisa and questioning how an artist with such a successful debut could walk away with nothing.
Kuningi 📍 Mlindo said the he doesn’t write his songs 👀 and he was broke 2020 🤕
Catch today’s episode of #PianoPulse🎹 at 3pm 🕒 on YouTube 🔴 pic.twitter.com/h5TNGY9mWt
— Podcast and Chill Network (@podcastwithmacg) June 24, 2025
