An era has officially ended. For nearly a decade, CottonFest stood as more than an event. It was a movement — the heartbeat of young South African youth culture, music, fashion, and raw creative energy. Founded by the late Riky Rick, the festival became a cultural landmark, offering a runway to self-expression, a stage for emerging talent, and a home for anyone who craved creativity, community and identity.
But today, Cotton Fest has come to an end. In a statement, the CottonFest team announced that after years of impact, the festival would no longer continue. Internal disagreements among shareholders — particularly about direction and purpose — made it impossible to carry the event forward in a way that honoured the integrity and vision that Riky Rick had established.
From the beginning, CottonFest was was rooted in community and expression. Over its lifespan, the festival brought together musicians, dancers, fashion designers, streetwear creators, visual artists and fans — giving a platform to both stars and up-and-comers who often lacked mainstream exposure. Attending CottonFest became a rite of passage for many: a place where you could show up as yourself and still be part of a community.
For many, this is more than losing a festival, but a cultural space. The loss is felt by artists, creatives, fans, and anyone who found home under CottonFest’s banner.
The news sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media. Many fans shared heartfelt memories, while others agreed with the decision to shut it down, saying it was about time and that the festival had run its course.
i guess cottonfest 2025 was really the end of an era hey... it's wild watching something you grew up with slowly conclude Riky wasn't just an artist he was a culture architect he built a community,not a festival☹️
— 13 (@mattepinkrari) December 9, 2025
Was about time, we need an event that brings back what CottonFest used to represent. Now we would have Kabza as a headliner🤦🏾♂️💔 https://t.co/BAGK2IEgN6
if BossZonke himself was still with us, this wouldn't fly at all, why can't a fellow artist purchase CottonFest or something ?
— ant🐜ny. (@thatboyspittin) December 9, 2025
We will bring it back. They can't take such history from us 😞😞💔 ah Riky #cottonfest https://t.co/LnLiKST2GO
— ntwanistro🇿🇦 (@gxgs__) December 9, 2025
Even as the festival closes its doors, the spirit behind CottonFest isn’t disappearing. The festival’s end serves as a reminder: cultural institutions need care, shared vision and unity. Without aligned purpose, even the most alive, vibrant spaces can lose momentum. But it also shows how much impact a single festival — built on authenticity — can have.
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