Cotton Fest's downfall: fans weigh in on the shifts that impacted the festival

The news that Cotton Fest is coming to an end has fans feeling a mix of sadness and nostalgia. 

Since the announcement, social media has been buzzing with fans sharing their thoughts on why one of South Africa’s most loved music festivals lost its momentum.

Many say there was a shift in priorities after the passing of the late Riky Rick, the festival’s founder.

“Cotton Fest wasn’t about SA hip hop culture anymore,” said one fan, pointing out how the main stage started prioritising amapiano over hip hop, which was the heart of the festival in its early years. 

Another added: “The ship started to sink the moment they started to prioritise piano at a hip hop festival. So I’m not surprised.”

Some fans also feel that the festival lost its connection with emerging talent.

One X user shared: “I asked last year why Usimamane and Kindlynxsh couldn’t get a slot on the main stage while they had the biggest songs in the game. It wasn’t for the kids and culture anymore.”

Behind the scenes, organisers revealed that disagreements among the festival’s shareholders made it difficult to continue “Cotton Fest” in a way that honoured Rick’s vision. 

Bianca Naidoo, Rick’s partner and key organiser, explained that differences over the festival’s direction made it impossible to sustain the event while staying true to its original purpose of celebrating young talent and culture.

Despite the disappointment, many are remembering the festival for what it achieved. 

Singer Nanette, who performed at the last edition, reminisced on the occasion. 

“Damn, so grateful I got the opportunity to perform at the last Cotton Fest. We left our hearts on the stage, not knowing that would be the last chance to do so, s/o to Cotton Fest for continuing Makhado’s vision. What a great time we had.”

Media personality Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena also paid tribute, sharing a heartfelt farewell on her Instagram as someone who was at the forefront of the movement.

“The end of an era, (where) do I even begin? @cottonfestjhb my baby…Where do I even start? You were not just a festival, you felt like home. A place to live fully & express honestly. You gave us space to both grieve & celebrate. To see & to be seen. 

"You were the culture’s brightest shining star & you should be SO proud! I know I am. To my @cottonfestjhb family… THANK YOU!! I know we never really say it enough, but thank you. This is just another colour we’ll add to the kaleidoscope of emotions this festival has made us feel.

"And over the years, there have been many. I know your hearts are heavy, but please hold your heads up high. Despite everything… YOU DID THAT!! THANK YOU!! @thesecretlifeof_b you fought my sister… Now it’s time to rest,” she wrote.

She also had a message for the people who kept the dream going, the fans. 

“To The Cotton Eaters… Tag, you’re it! The end of one journey means the start of something new, & you already know what @rikyrickworld would want us to do. We keep looking out not just for ourselves but for each other. The sentiment still stands… WE NEVER DIE, WE MULTIPLY ”

While the festival may be ending, the “Cotton Fest Creative Programme”, which launched in 2025, will reportedly continue, providing opportunities for young creatives and keeping Rick’s spirit alive in other ways.