In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a creative tool has sparked a new era of innovation and the possibility of artistic legacy. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of South African rap icon Riky Rick, whose legacy continues to thrive thanks to the pioneering work of the Riky Rick Foundation and the transformative power of AI technology.
Since his tragic passing in 2022, Riky Rick’s brand has not only endured but flourished, thanks in part to the innovative use of AI in preserving his artistic legacy. The most notable illustration of this is the foundation’s launch initiative with the song “Stronger“, using AI to create new music that stays true to his vision and spirit, ensuring his influence continues to resonate with his fans. This creation used AI-generated compositions based on Riky Rick’s past social media posts and interviews. By analyzing the rapper’s words and lyrical style, AI algorithms generated a new song that captured the essence of his music, allowing his brand to evolve and grow even in his absence.
Moreover, today’s announcement of Riky Rick’s new collaborative song, “iLanga,” alongside Tyler ICU, Young Stunna, Kelvin Momo, Baby S.O.N., Zadok & Mas Musiq further demonstrates the enduring relevance of Riky’s brand. These songs serve as a poignant reminder of Riky Rick’s impact on the music industry and the lasting legacy he has left behind.
The rising trend of posthumous releases and the use of AI to create new music for artists who have passed away raise intriguing questions about the industry’s future. Could we be witnessing the dawn of a new era where we see more late artists in South Africa “resurrected” through technology? Not only allowing their music to live on (through unreleased music, AI-generated music and social media updates) but possibly experiencing them again as virtual personalities?
While the idea of AI-generated music from artists who have passed on may seem like something out of science fiction, it holds significant promise for preserving and honouring the legacies of other musical icons we’ve lost like AKA, Zahara and Mandoza. Riky Rick’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of AI in preserving and perpetuating the artistic vision of deceased artists. Through the innovative use of technology, his brand continues to thrive, inspiring new generations of fans and sparking conversations about the future of music in the digital age. As the industry continues to evolve, we may see more artists “resurrected” through AI, ushering in a new era of creativity and innovation in the music industry.
If it was up to you, which other late South African artist would you like to see ‘return’ through AI?
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