Antiguan soca sensation Ricardo Drue has died.
According to the Antigua Observer, Drue died at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre on Tuesday afternoon.
He was reportedly rushed to the hospital after being found unresponsive in his room.
Drue, who was engaged to fellow soca artist Patrice Roberts, gained recognition for hits like “Vagabond” and “Professional.”
In a video posted to her official Instagram page a short while ago, Roberts shared a loving video of herself and Drue. Roberts is seen planting a kiss on Drue’s cheek. She captioned the post: “I’d do anything to hear your voice…wake up.”
The video elicited several heartfelt messages of condolences from colleagues including Destra Garcia, Nailah Blackman, Kes the Band and Jamaican artists such as Ding Dong, Konshens, Tifa and Stacious.
In a related development, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell has extended condolences to the family and friends of beloved Soca artiste and songwriter, Ricardo Drue.
Antigua-born Drue, who was engaged to Soca superstar Patrice Roberts, passed away at the age of 38.
Drue was a frontline singer for the popular local A-Team Band and also performed with Imij and Co and D’All Starz bands.
He was well known for his Soca hits “Vagabond”, “ID (Stamp Yuh Name)” and “Professional”.
Minister Mitchell affirmed Drue’s contribution to the local, regional and international cultural sectors.
He added: “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.”
