CottonFest ends as Sheldon Tatchell speaks

Venecia Valentine

Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legend’s Barber and close friend of the late Riky Rick, has shared an emotional message dedicated to the rapper’s widow, Bianca Naidoo.

His tribute follows the announcement that CottonFest, the youth-led cultural festival founded by Riky Rick, will conclude due to shareholder disagreements over its future.

The end of CottonFest

The announcement confirmed that, despite an earlier social media post hinting at a 2026 edition, internal disputes among shareholders made it impossible for the festival to continue. Organisers said differing views on CottonFest’s long-term vision strained operations and compromised the ability to maintain the standard set by its founder.

A message of support for Bianca Naidoo

Two days after the news broke, Tatchell took to social media to express his views on the decision and publicly support Bianca.

The 2025 GQ South Africa Business Leader of the Year award recipient wrote:

“Bianca, our hearts are with you. It’s heartbreaking to see CottonFest come to an end, a festival built with love, sacrifice and a dream far bigger than music.”

You didn’t fail

Tatchell went on to reassure Bianca, emphasising that she had done everything possible to honour Riky Rick’s legacy.

“But please know this. You didn’t fail. You fought for that dream with everything in you. You carried Riky’s vision with honour. You kept his legacy alive when many would’ve given up.”

Keeping Riky Rick’s vision alive

Since Riky Rick’s passing in 2022, Bianca has continued to lead CottonFest, creating opportunities for emerging South African artists and nurturing the cultural community he built.

Tatchell expressed his readiness to help revive the festival if the opportunity arises.

“Ready to invest, ready to support Bianca, and to help bring CottonFest back to life. Some movements are too important to let die. We never die. We multiply.”

A moment that captured the spirit of CottonFest

In a second post, Tatchell shared an image of Riky Rick performing with a young boy, a moment that reflected the festival’s heart and purpose.

Support continues to grow

As news of CottonFest’s closure continues to ripple through the music industry, supporters, artists and fans have rallied behind Bianca, with many calling for the festival’s return and the preservation of Riky Rick’s vision.