Cotton Fest has been cancelled and will no longer be organized, marking the end of a notable festival that shaped youth culture in South Africa.
The organizers stated that ongoing conflicts among current shareholders made it unfeasible to carry on the event while honoring the vision established by its founder, the late Riky Rick.
Bianca Naidoo, who founded the festival along with the Makhado family, mentioned that the choice followed extensive discussion over several months.
They noted that the decision was reached “with a very heavy heart,” recognizing the vital role the community played in the festival’s journey since it began in 2019.
In its seven-year history, Cotton Fest emerged as a significant creative platform, blending music, fashion, and art while upholding Riky Rick’s memory.
The organizers expressed gratitude to fans for their steadfast support, describing them as the core of the festival and the reason it became a cultural beacon.
Those holding tickets for the next edition can obtain full refunds through Webtickets.
Even with the festival’s termination, the organizers concluded with the enduring motto; “We never die. We multiply.”
Read the full statement below:
