SOURCE: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian- Patrice Roberts’ ‘I Am Woman’ concert promised a star-studded line-up of artistes on Wednesday night. However, one appearance left some patrons pleasantly surprised and others unsettled at the event.CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Roberts’ fiancé and fellow soca artiste Ricardo Drue died on December 13, 2023, after he was found unresponsive in Antigua.
The Ah Love it Here hitmaker’s death prompted mourning in the soca community across the region with several artistes and entertainment figures offering condolences to Roberts.
During the concert at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Roberts paused her performance to have a short interaction with a computer-generated version of Drue.
During their “conversation” the digital avatar was heard assuring Roberts that he was at peace.
“I want you to know that I am okay and I’m proud of you.
“Don’t cry for me.
“I want you to take care of yourself and continue being a great mother to our daughter and to our boys. I love them all.
“To my family, friends and fans I miss you all and appreciate the love you have shown.”
As footage of the video circulated on social media, several commenters shared their thoughts.
One user suggested that the tribute was Roberts’ way of getting closure after Drue’s death, while another was moved by her continued love for him.
“I find it so sweet … she loved him and she is just honouring him.”
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However, other users took issue with Roberts for using Drue’s image and voice after his death, arguing that it was distasteful and disturbing.
“Not sure I agree with this. He is deceased and can’t make videos so anything of this kind is irrelevant,” one commenter opined.
Another offered advice to the soca songstress.
“Let him cross over Patrice. Pulling him to this side is not doing his spirit any good. Treasure the memories but let that man lovingly transition,” the poster said.
Responding to Guardian Media’s questions via WhatsApp yesterday, Roberts’ manager Adanna Asson said the 2006 Road March winner was “satisfied and comfortable” with the tribute.
“She (Roberts) understands that others may have differing opinions and she respects that,” the manager said.
Asson added that she felt the tribute was done respectfully and included a performance from Drue’s dancers from Antigua.
She added that Roberts originally wanted to pay tribute to Drue using hologram technology but that was not feasible.
Eventually, the production team with support from local animator and music producer Ashwin Seegobin through his Smash Productions studio created Drue’s digital avatar.
Seegobin who also contributed to the response provided by Asson to Guardian Media said the finished product required a combination of animation software to recreate movement with some interpolation software using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Over 20 layers were used to create a holographic image. Techniques used in the film industry. I worked on it over the course of two weeks with research, testing, trial, editing etc.
“The entire approach in creating this Digital Avatar of Ricardo was to ensure that he was depicted the way Patrice and her team wanted it.
“I wanted to ensure that it was a fitting tribute.
“As much as AI was used, my ability to create this digital avatar is based on my background in graphics and animation,” he said.
In the soca fraternity itself, compassion was shown towards Roberts.
Soca artiste Akeem “Preedy” Chance originally declined comment citing his respect for Roberts and Drue, but called on the public to “look at the positive side” of Roberts’ tribute.
“Any negatives should be overlooked. Everyone should try to focus on the positives rather than focus on the negative.
“They are just trying to celebrate his life.”
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She had an intimate connection, as she was preparing to be his wife. He proposed to her, Live on stage.
Why do people believe that they should criticize everything? If that’s the way she chooses to find closure, let her be. Many of you will continue to listen to his music. What’s the difference?
Relax, let her mourn the way she chooses. In time, she will move on to a new relationship.
It was tastefully done.
@dave ray … well said … people should just mind there business… cha .. it’s irritating why they always have to see the negative….
Like your rarse EVERY BIRTHDAY THAT YOUR HAB UR XWIFE ESPECIALLY DEAD XWIFE YOU ON FB LAMENTING FOR LIKES
YOU WOULD KNOW DAVE RAY AS YOU FOUGHT HER MOTHER RELENTLESSLY FOR HALF HER ARMY PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN IT AS CLOSURE
On your xwife bday you on FB with your heavy post looking fe likes everrrrrryyyyyy bday the poor gyal spirit can’t rest well
And the audacity of you to fight that lady mothers for her benefits you hab gal nf
You married her for papers it was a loveless marriage cas we know YOU prefer man and fought her mother tooth n elbow for her US ARMY PENSION & Social Security
You DAVE RAY HAB NO SHAME
YOUR USELESS EATER DUNG POOR QUALITY HAIR PRODUCTS THAT NO HAIR SALON HAIR SHOP WILLING TO SELL
WAS HER PENSION YOUR CLOSURE TO HER
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