The legacy and vision of Riky Rick continue to echo through South African youth culture via the University of Cotton Fest Creative Programme (UCF) — a community-driven extension of the creative spirit behind Cotton Fest.
Created to open real doors for the next generation of creatives, the programme has become a space where emerging artists, designers and cultural voices can sharpen their craft, collaborate and build the future of the culture.
“The UCF Creative Programme was born from a vision to create real opportunities for young creatives across South Africa. Through the University of Cotton Fest, we want to build a space where talent can be nurtured, ideas can be shared, and the next generation of artists, designers and cultural leaders can grow.
It’s about continuing the dream that Riky Rick believed in — empowering young people, investing in creativity, and reminding them that their voices, their stories, and their art matter.”— Bianca Naidoo
Class of 2026: CottonFest Mixtape
The 2026 UCF Creative Programme launches with a special CottonFest Mixtape — a collaborative project bringing together 10 Open Mic alumni artists from 2022–2025, produced by celebrated hip-hop architect MashBeatz.
The project blends hip-hop, amapiano, R&B, Afropop, trap and alternative sounds, capturing the diverse sonic identity of South Africa’s new wave.
The mixtape was born during a week-long UCF bootcamp in June 2025, where Open Mic alumni met for the first time to create what the programme believes is the kind of hip-hop South Africa needs right now — fearless, experimental and rooted in authentic storytelling.
The official rollout begins with a media release on Thursday, 26 March 2026, with the project hitting all streaming platforms at midnight on Friday, 27 March.
As the CottonFest ethos reminds us:
We never die. We multiply.
Producer
MashBeatz
Born Nhlawulo Shipambuli Mashimbyi, MashBeatz is one of the most influential producers in modern South African hip-hop. Raised between Soweto and Malamulele, Limpopo, he began producing music at just 14 and quickly built a reputation for his signature sound and hit-making ability.
His production catalogue includes collaborations with artists such as Maglera Doe Boy, A-Reece, Wordz, Ami Faku, Thato Saul, and the late Riky Rick.
IG: @mashbeatz_twc
Artists
PEGG
Durban rapper PEGG is a 23-year-old experimental lyricist known for his sharp pen and explosive performances. The self-proclaimed “Supamlungu” has been steadily building a loyal following thanks to his fearless approach to hip-hop and his undeniable stage presence.
IG: @pegg.dbn
Risky T RSA
Risky T RSA, born Ntethelelo Thobani Nxumalo, is a 19-year-old rapper from Ntuzuma E in Durban. His gritty trap sound blends isiZulu and English, delivering raw street storytelling inspired by artists like King Von.
IG: @risky_t_sa
Billy G SA
Cape Town creative Billy G SA moves comfortably across drill, trap, hip-hop and R&B. Inspired by his older brother and his musical upbringing, he began rapping in 2012 and has since recorded over 700 songs, building a massive catalogue driven by pure passion for music.
IG: @billythegoat_official
Polly T
Kraaifontein rapper Polly T first caught national attention after winning the Cotton Fest 2024 Open Mic Competition. Known for his razor-sharp lyricism and commanding stage presence, he is quickly emerging as one of the country’s most exciting young voices.
IG: @polly_tsa
Orchid MusiQ
Durban singer-songwriter Orchid MusiQ blends Afrobeats, amapiano, pop and acoustic sounds into a soulful contemporary style.
In 2023 she made history as the first woman in Durban to win the Cotton Fest Open Mic competition, later finishing Top 10 in an all-male lineup.
She has already collaborated with artists including Sam Deep, Da Muziqal Chef, Sino Msolo, and Nasty C.
IG: @orchid_musiq
Bizzy Acwesh
Eastern Cape-born artist Bizzy Acwesh blends hip-hop, rap and Afropop with powerful isiXhosa storytelling rooted in real life experiences. Her music focuses on resilience, authenticity and the realities of navigating life and ambition.
IG: @bizzy_achwesh
Tallrickyworldwide
Born in Queenstown and raised in Khayelitsha, Tallrickyworldwide calls his sound “Loxion Hype.” It merges township storytelling with global hip-hop energy — representing the ambition and hustle of South Africa’s kasi youth.
IG: @mxhosa_wase_greece
Tr3.lxgy
Emalahleni artist Tr3.lxgy blends rap, trap and melody into a playful yet introspective style. With a proudly geeky personality and an outgoing spirit, his music pulls inspiration from everyday moments — turning life experiences into relatable records.
IG: @lebotrilogy
Nino Fresko
Free State creative Nino Fresko blends trap, kwaito and South African hip-hop into what he calls the Fresko Sound.
Inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Khuli Chana and Pharrell Williams, he moves effortlessly between introspective storytelling and high-energy flex records.
IG: @ninofresko
LUUKHANYO
Cape Town artist LUUKHANYO creates genre-blurring music that moves between R&B, hip-hop, funk and jazz.
His single “Hii ROLLER” has surpassed 3 million streams, while his work has been spotlighted by Apple Music, BBC Radio 1, and Texx and the City. He has also performed at major festivals including CottonFest, MTN Bushfire, and Up The Creek.
IG: @luukhanyoisart
The University of Cotton Fest Creative Programme represents a symbolic campus where creativity is the curriculum and culture is the classroom.
Inspired by the same youthful energy that built CottonFest, the platform brings together artists, designers, entrepreneurs and fans to collaborate, learn and grow within a shared cultural ecosystem.
Launched in 2022, the programme offers mentorship, performance opportunities and industry exposure for emerging creatives.
Led by Bianca Naidoo, the initiative continues to honour Riky Rick’s vision of empowering young people through creativity — ensuring that the spirit of CottonFest continues to inspire and uplift long after the festival stage.
At its core, the University of Cotton Fest stands for community, creativity and youth empowerment.
We never die. We multiply.
