Who was Ricardo Drue? Age, Wiki, Biography, Wife, Family, Nationality, Death & Songs
Ricardo Drue (born 31 July 1985 – died 12 December 2023, Aged: 38 years old) was a soca and R&B singer-songwriter who rose to fame with his catchy and energetic songs such as “Vagabond”, “I.D.”, and “Happy Music”.
He was also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Patrice Roberts, Sean Kingston, and Skinny Fabulous. He won several awards and accolades for his music, including the Best New Artist award at the COTT Awards in 2015. He died on December 12, 2023, at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy of music and a loving family.
Early Life and Education
Ricardo was born on July 31, 1985, in Antigua and Barbuda. He was the son of television personality Nicola Barriteau and had four siblings. He began musical training at the age of five, learning to play the piano, guitar, and drums. He attended the Antigua Grammar School and later moved to Trinidad and Tobago, where he studied at the University of the West Indies. He graduated with a degree in business management in 2008.
Ricardo Drue Wiki/Bio
| Name | Ricardo Drue |
| Birth Date | July 31, 1985 |
| Birth Place | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Death Date | December 12, 2023 |
| Death Place | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Cause of Death | Unknown (suspected heart attack) |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Antiguan and Trinidadian |
| Occupation | Soca and R&B singer-songwriter |
| Genre | Soca, R&B, reggae |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, guitar, drums |
| Labels | ID Nation, Riddimstream, Wiz Records |
| Awards | Best New Artist (COTT Awards, 2015) Best Soca Artist (IRAWMA, 2016) Best Male Soca Artist (CMEA, 2017) |
| Nominations | International Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch, Antigua Soca Monarch, People’s Choice Awards |
| Spouse | Patrice Roberts (engaged in 2022) |
| Children | Lily (born in 2016), Ricardo Jr. (born in 2021) |
| Parents | Nicola Barriteau (mother) |
| Siblings | Four |
| Popular Songs | “Vagabond”, “I.D.”, “Happy Music”, “Toxic Love”, “Tornado” |
| Popular Albums | Jam Band Riddim, Jack Frost Riddim, Got Riddim, Island Essentials Riddim |
| Popular Collaborations | Patrice Roberts, Sean Kingston, Skinny Fabulous, Turner, Mr. Killa |
| Popular Events | Trinidad Carnival, Antigua Carnival, Miami Carnival, Toronto Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival |
| Popular Riddims | Flair Skirt Riddim, Jam Band Riddim, Jack Frost Riddim, Got Riddim, Island Essentials Riddim |
| Social Media | Instagram: itsdrue YouTube: @ItsDrueMusic Facebook: itsdrue |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Musical Career
Ricardo started his musical career as a member of the dance and vocal quartet Crossovah, which was formed in 2004. The group released several singles and performed at various events and festivals across the Caribbean. In 2006, Drue launched his solo career with his debut single “Vagabond”, which became a hit in the region and abroad. The song was sung on the Flair Skirt Riddim, produced by Mr. Rootz for Wiz Records. The official music video, filmed and directed by Avant Media, was released in 2015 and has over 6 million views on YouTube.
Ricardo continued to release more singles and albums, showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist. Some of his popular songs include “Water Pump”, “Rub Up on It”, “Push Back”, “Professional”, “Socaholic”, “I Got You”, “Respectfully”, “Dear Beloved”, and “Tornado”. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Patrice Roberts, Sean Kingston, Skinny Fabulous, Turner, and Mr. Killa.
He was featured on several riddims, such as the Jam Band Riddim, the Jack Frost Riddim, the Got Riddim, and the Island Essentials Riddim. He performed at various events and festivals, such as the Trinidad Carnival, the Antigua Carnival, the Miami Carnival, the Toronto Carnival, and the Notting Hill Carnival.
Ricardo won several awards and accolades for his music, including the Best New Artist award at the COTT Awards in 2015, the Best Soca Artist award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards in 2016, and the Best Male Soca Artist award at the Caribbean Music and Entertainment Awards in 2017. He was also nominated for several other awards, such as the International Soca Monarch, the Groovy Soca Monarch, the Antigua Soca Monarch, and the People’s Choice Awards.
Popular Events
Ricardo Drue has performed at various events and festivals across the Caribbean and beyond, showcasing his talent and energy as a soca artist. Some of his popular events include:
- Druesday: This is Drue’s annual concert in Antigua, where he invites other soca stars to join him on stage and entertain his fans. The event is usually held in July, as part of the Antigua Carnival celebrations. In 2022, Ricardo surprised his girlfriend and fellow soca artist Patrice Roberts by proposing to her during his performance.
- Trinidad Carnival: This is the biggest and most famous carnival in the Caribbean, where soca music is the main attraction. Ricardo has been a regular participant in the Trinidad Carnival, competing in the International Soca Monarch and the Groovy Soca Monarch contests, as well as performing at various fetes and shows. Some of his memorable songs for the Trinidad Carnival include “I.D.”, “Professional”, and “Happy Music”.
- Miami Carnival: This is a carnival that celebrates the culture and heritage of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States. Drue has been a part of the Miami Carnival, performing at the Soca Brainwash, the Soca Kingdom, and the Rise and Shine events. He has also collaborated with other artists, such as Sean Kingston, Skinny Fabulous, and Turner, for the Miami Carnival.
- Toronto Carnival: This is a carnival that showcases the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean community in Canada. Ricardo has also performed at the Toronto Carnival, bringing his soca vibes to the north. He has been featured on the Island Essentials Riddim, produced by DJ Private Ryan, for the Toronto Carnival.
- Notting Hill Carnival: This is a carnival that celebrates the Caribbean culture and influence in the United Kingdom. Ricardo has also made his mark at the Notting Hill Carnival, performing at the Soca on the Hill, the Soca Frenzy, and the Soca Rama events. He has also teamed up with other artists, such as Mr. Killa, Lyrikal, and Voice, for the Notting Hill Carnival.
Personal Life, Girlfriend & Relationship
Ricardo was in a long-term relationship with Patrice Roberts, a fellow soca artist and the queen of soca. The couple had a daughter, Lily, who was born in 2016. They also had a son, Ricardo Jr., who was born in 2021.
Ricardo Drue and Patrice Roberts released several songs together, such as “Nah Leaving”, “Toxic Love”, and “Weak”. They also got engaged in July 2022, when Ricardo Drue proposed to Patrice Roberts during a performance at his annual Druesday concert in Antigua.
Physical Appearance
There is not much information available about Drue’s height and weight, but based on some web sources, he might be around 5’11″ ft tall and weigh between 55 to 62 kg. He has a slim build, dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. He often wears stylish clothes and accessories, such as hats, sunglasses, chains, and earrings.
Parents and Siblings
Ricardo is the son of Nicola Barriteau, a television personality who hosts a popular talk show in Antigua and Barbuda. He has not revealed much about his father or his siblings, if he has any.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Ricardo was born on July 31, 1985, in Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. He is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, and his nationality is Antiguan. He is of mixed ethnicity, as he has Trinidadian and Antiguan backgrounds. He has not disclosed his religious beliefs, but he might follow Christianity, as it is the dominant religion in Antigua and Barbuda.
Death Cause
Ricardo Drue died on December 12, 2023, at the age of 38. He was found unresponsive in his room and was taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death has not been disclosed yet, but some sources suggest that he died of a heart attack.
His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. His funeral was held on December 19, 2023, in Antigua, where he was laid to rest.
Legacy and Influence
Ricardo left behind a legacy of music and a loving family. He was one of the most talented and versatile soca and R&B artists of his generation, who brought joy and energy to his listeners with his catchy and relatable songs.
He was also a humble and kind person, who loved his family and supported his community. He influenced and inspired many other artists, such as Jadel, Nailah Blackman, Lyrikal, and Voice. He will be remembered as a soca legend and a vagabond of music.
