Video Contributed by user:DJ Puffy Honors Late Soca Star Ricardo Drue at Toronto Caribana
Soca fans at Toronto’s Caribana festival paid tribute to the late Antiguan artist Ricardo Drue on Thursday night, as Barbadian DJ Puffy honoured the singer during his set at the Soca or Die event.
Drue, who would have celebrated his 40th birthday this week, died suddenly in December 2023 at the age of 38. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential soca performers of his generation, known for hits including Vagabond, Toxic Love and Professional.
During his set, DJ Puffy invited the crowd to perform the “Tornado” – a dance popularised by Drue and featured in his track Hot Tornado. Thousands of revellers joined in, waving flags and dancing in unison in what many described as one of the most emotional moments of the festival.
Drue’s death sent shockwaves through the Caribbean music industry. Tributes poured in from across the region, including from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other cultural leaders. He had been a three-time Soca Monarch in Antigua and a frequent performer on major regional stages.
At his funeral in Antigua in late 2023, fellow artists including Patrice Roberts, Destra Garcia, and Skinny Fabulous remembered him as a generous, passionate and dynamic entertainer who left a lasting mark on Caribbean music.
Thursday night’s tribute in Toronto was the latest in a series of events commemorating Drue’s life and legacy. As Caribana celebrations continue, fans say the late artist’s spirit lives on through his music—and in moments like these.
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