Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts is extending his deepest condolences to the family and friends of beloved Soca artiste and songwriter, Ricardo Drue.
In a statement, Minister Mitchell affirms Drue’s contribution to the local, regional and international cultural sectors.
He adds, “The Soca fraternity and indeed the Carnival community have suffered a great loss with his passing. His years of work as an entertainer have undoubtedly helped to spread the soca genre across the world and brought happiness to many. He certainly will not be forgotten.”
According to reports the soca artiste was rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre on Tuesday after he was found unresponsive. He died while receiving treatment. He was 38.
Drue was the son of former television personality Nicola Barriteau.
He began his career in his homeland of Antigua and Barbuda where he was a lead vocalist in an all-boy band, which is now defunct.
Here in Trinidad and Tobago Drue was one of the frontline singers of the popular band A Team. He also performed with Imij and Co and D’All Starz bands and was well known for his Soca hits “Vagabond”, “ID (Stamp Yuh Name)” and “Professional”.
“At this point, I don’t know what to say. The A Team band is in a depressed mode. Ricardo would be missed,” said a shocked Zarin Marean, A Team Manager.
“His last performance with us was on Saturday night at Central Bank. He was his normal, energetic self.”
The singer was in Carnival 2024 mode with the releases of Ah Live It Here, All Night with Ovadose and Birthday Suit featuring Kevon X and Pshyco.
Just this morning Drue’s fiancé Patrise Roberts spoke on SLAM 100.5 FM where she said that Drue was so supportive, loving and caring.
They have a daughter named Lily.