Enter the world of Eric Hercules, better known in music circles as Ric Ric, a shining example of dedication and talent hailing from the vibrant shores of Trinidad and Tobago.
Balancing the rigorous demands of medicine with the rhythmic allure of music, Ric Ric said his journey is “not merely about finding equilibrium but about chasing passion with unwavering resolve.”
“In my life, the stethoscope and the microphone are extensions of the same calling: to heal and uplift.” Ric Ric told Caribbean Life on Tuesday. “As a doctor and a musician, I harness the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeat, hip-hop and dancehall to bring joy and healing.
“Balancing medicine and music, I’ve learned that passion is the ultimate drive, enabling us to excel in diverse realms,” he added. “My journey is about embracing every moment, and celebrating life through every beat and every breath.”
Ric Ric said his narrative unfolds against the backdrop of early loss, with the untimely departure of his father, shaping his sense of duty towards his family.
Raised by a resilient mother, who held education in high regard, Ric Ric said he witnessed firsthand the value of hard work, as his mother “tirelessly juggled multiple jobs” to support his schooling.
Inspired by her and his uncle’s work ethic, he said he learned the invaluable lesson that one can excel in multiple spheres simultaneously.
Even as he immersed himself in the rigors of medical studies, Ric Ric said he felt the stirrings of an artist within him.
With a studio conveniently located nearby, Ric Ric said he found himself at a crossroads, where his medical aspirations intersected with his burgeoning musical dreams.
He said the studio became his sanctuary, a space where he sculpted his artistry, infusing it with the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant rhythms he absorbed from his Afrobeat-loving African peers.
Ric Ric said the infectious beats of hip-hop, dancehall and Afrobeat “resonated deeply” with him, becoming an integral part of both his identity as a medical student and his journey as an artist.
Upon graduation, rather than choosing between medicine and music, Ric Ric said he embraced both passions, “carving out a unique niche as a musical healer.”
He said his latest single, “Celebrate,” serves as “a testament” to his life philosophy — “an invitation to revel in the sheer joy of existence.”
“It’s a musical tribute to seizing every moment and finding solace in the healing power of music,” Ric Ric said.
“From music aficionados to aspiring artists and beyond, all eyes and ears are drawn to this extraordinary individual,” Marie Driven, the Haitian-American managing partner of PlaybookMG, a Brooklyn-based entertainment promotion company, told Caribbean Life.
“Ric Ric is not just a medical professional dedicated to physical healing; he’s an artist whose pulsating rhythms seek to rejuvenate the spirit,” she added. “Keep a lookout for Ric Ric — the doctor whose beats resonate with the heart and whose music heals the soul.”
