In an emotional gathering at the Holy Family Cathedral in Antigua, the Caribbean music fraternity, along with family, friends, and devoted fans, came together to pay tribute to the late Ricardo Robert Barriteau Drue.
The cathedral echoed with the sounds of grief and the shared memories of a man who, at just 38 years old, left an indelible mark on the soca music scene.
The star-studded ceremony saw a cadre of famous artists from across the region, including Trinidadian soca queen Destra Garcia, Bouyon Boss Asa Banton, St Lucian soca songbird Teddyson John, and Barbadian soca sensation King Bubba.
The presence of international DJ Barrie Hype, Vincentian hitmaker Skinny Fabulous, and his fiancée soca star Patrice Roberts added a poignant touch to the solemn occasion.
Antiguan artists like Claudette Peters, Tian Winter, Menace, and Drastic also joined in to remember their fellow artists and friends.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Culture Minister Daryll Matthew lent official acknowledgement to the event, with Prime Minister Browne sharing words from scripture and Minister Matthew delivering the first address.
The atmosphere was laden with collective grief, with the entire assembly mourning the loss of a musical luminary.
The most heartfelt tributes, however, came from those who intimately knew Ricardo, affectionately known as ‘Broski’s.’ Karim Harrigan poignantly captured the essence of Ricardo’s larger-than-life presence, stating, “Even though he was short…that man was a giant on stage.”
The sentiment echoed through the testimonials, painting a vivid picture of a man who commanded attention and admiration whenever he took the stage.
Teddyson John, overwhelmed with sorrow, expressed regret for not being in the country under happier circumstances. Through tearful eyes, he urged everyone to cherish their loved ones, underlining the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.
The profound message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of connection and love.
Skinny Fabulous struggled to encapsulate his memories within the allotted time, choosing to highlight Ricardo’s last moments. He described Ricardo as possessing an extraordinary ability to offer care, empathy, and support when least expected.
The recollection of Ricardo’s last words, a simple yet profound “thank you very much,” left an indelible impression on those in attendance.
King Bubba, a friend since 2006, reminisced about being “blown away by his talent” and the subsequent nine years of touring together.
With a heartfelt promise, he declared, “I will also play my part to make your legacy live on forever. I got you!” The commitment to preserving Ricardo’s legacy underscored the deep bond shared by these artists.
Ricardo’s three eldest sons shared touching anecdotes about their father’s impactful influence, from instilling a love for basketball to offering motivational words before games and tests.
His brother, Nicholas Quinn, acknowledged their differences but spoke lovingly of the shared bond and pride in Ricardo’s achievements.
His mother, Nicola Barriteau, painted a vivid picture of Ricardo as a trailblazer, “always looking ahead,” surprising everyone with his relentless determination.
She tearfully remarked, “Truth is Ricardo…they never saw you coming,” emphasizing his unwavering persistence and resilience.
Nicola also shared tender moments of Ricardo impersonating artists like Machel Montano and Michael Jackson with a pot spoon as a microphone, with the family as his enthusiastic backup and audience.
“Even then, you were consistent, persistent, and focused,” she fondly remembered. Nicola highlighted Ricardo’s role as a devoted father to his five children.
Born on July 31, 1985, in Fort Road, Antigua, Ricardo Drue embarked on a musical journey at a young age, leaving an indelible mark on the world with hits like ‘Toxic Love’ and ‘Professional.’
Tragically, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy that includes three soca monarch crowns in Antigua and Barbuda, among other prestigious titles.
As the music community bids farewell to one of its brightest stars, the legacy of Ricardo Drue lives on through the memories shared by those who knew him best and the timeless soca rhythms that will forever resonate in the hearts of his fans.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
