Caribbean In Mourning With The Untimely Passing Of Ricardo Drue
Shockwaves reverberated through the region’s music fraternity when news of the sudden death of Ricardo Drue broke on Tuesday.
The Antiguan songbird was rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre when he was found unresponsive.
According to reports, he died around noon while being treated.
Born in Antigua and Barbuda, Drue moved to Trinidad with his family at a young age and grew up in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando.
He was set to marry his fiancé Patrice Roberts next year, after proposing to her on stage in Antigua last July. The couple share one child, a five-year-old girl, Lily. Drue had four sons from previous relationships.
Reeling with shock from the passing of their colleague and friend, scores of artistes and other key players in the music industry took to social media to express their grief and disbelief.
Soca titan Machel Montano posted:
“…we lost a bright soul in our brother Ricardo Drue. May his soul rest in eternal peace and I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his children, family, friends and fans. @patriceroberts1 our prayers and support are with you and the entire family and we pray that you can find some comfort in this time of loss. May God give us strength and understanding as we celebrate his life and his amazing achievements.”
“You and I always had a great relationship that I will always remember and cherish,” his long time friend Kernal Roberts posted.
“I was always an advocate for you and Patsy to be together from the start of it all. As your daughter’s godfather, I promise to continue to act an important role in her life as long as the good lord gives me life. You were an awesome artiste and I always gave you your props when others refused to. Also a great friend, you will be deeply missed, bro. I pray for Patrice Roberts, Lilly, and all your boys at this terrible time of grief. God knows best and now you flying high with the angels. Until we meet again fly high bro.”
Vincentian artiste Skinny Fabulous remembered Drue as a true friend who always checked up on him.
“The last thing I expected to hear on that phone this morning was your passing bro. You were one of the realist people I knew swear to God. I’ll never forget the random calls you made to me asking if I was OK simply because you felt an energy that compelled you to make sure I was good and to let me know that you there if I needed anything. You were kind and sincere bro. I wish I got to tell you more how much I appreciated your help and care on Uber, the daily knock on my door to bring meds or water, or just make sure I’m good. How are you not here today bro? How? I will miss you. We will miss you. I pray for strength for your family and your kids 😢😢😢 your kids 😢😢 Patrice Roberts I am so sorry for your loss and please know that we are here in anywhich way to support,” he posted.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission joined the rest of the region in mourning the loss of Ricardo Drue.
In a tribute message posted on social media, the Commission said:
“His immense impact on the Soca Monarch and Road March scenes has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape and garnered him immense popularity across the region. Ricardo’s infectious tunes and energetic performances held a special place in the hearts of Soca enthusiasts and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The Festival Commission said Drue’s contributions to the Soca genre were significant, and his music resonated deeply with fans, not only in Antigua and Barbuda but across the entire Caribbean region.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Ricardo, your music will forever resonate in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
These sentiments were echoed by Dominican music producer, Asa Bantan.
“This one hard to swallow. I really felt that. Rest in peace to my true friend and musical brother, Ricardo Drue. We recently performed on the Ubersoca Cruise and then in New York City last week. Only if I knew this would have been our last time seeing each other and performing together I would have told you I love you bro. Fly high broski, till we see and meet again. Live life before life leaves you.”
The Saint Kitts Music Festival posted:
“Our hearts ache as we mourn the loss of 2023 St. Kitts Music Festival Performer, Ricardo Drue. Ricardo’s love for the art of soca radiated brilliantly through his songs and high-energy performances. We extend our sincere condolences to his fiancé, St. Kitts Music Festival Performer, Patrice Roberts, his family, friends and all who may be mourning his untimely passing.”
Saint Lucian artiste Teddyson John is mourning the loss of his, colleague, friend and brother.
He said he hoped it was just a bad dream…
“I woke up this morning and I’m really not ok . Trying to figure if yesterday was just a bad dream . Ricardo you really up and left bro , like with no one seeing it coming. I don’t know what was God’s plan but we all have to accept it . You were a true definition of a friend/brother . You don’t get too many real ones in our industry but you were the most down to earth and humble human beings I know. Bro there’s so much we spoke about , your vision , my vision, life, the industry etc . I remembered our conversations and they were very deep. Sigh 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔. RICHARDO DRUE there will never be another YOU …
Thank you for everything you contributed to this industry, it can actually be a very tuff industry to be apart of . Your voice and music will be heard for a lifetime. I pray the God’s peace would fill @patriceroberts1 and your kids and families hearts. This is nothing easy to accept and swallow.
I LOVE YOU BRO @itsdrue
I tried calling your phone this morning and you still didn’t pick up 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
I lost a friend
I lost a brother
SLEEP WELL DRUE, JUST SLEEP…”
