Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of Nicki (Nicole David), the island’s beloved Queen of Soca, who passed away yesterday at 51. A defining force in Saint Lucian music and Carnival culture, Nicki’s impact is woven into the very rhythm of the nation’s celebrations.
In 2005, Nicki made history as the first and to date, only woman to win the Saint Lucia Road March title with her hit Bounce, famously known as Queen of the Jungle. Her groundbreaking win marked a turning point in local music history and cemented her place as a true trailblazer.
Her musical journey began with the band DN5 and soared when she became lead vocalist for Spectacle. Over the years, Nicki gifted audiences with Carnival classics such as Mate, Jammette, Road Block, and Wukking Up is We Culture—each track brimming with Lucian energy and cultural pride.
In November 2024, she publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in a heartfelt video, thanking the public for their love and support as she underwent chemotherapy in Saint Lucia. A GoFundMe campaign for her medical expenses surpassed its £10,000 target, reflecting the nation’s deep affection for her.
Outside of music, Nicki was a pillar of her community warm, generous, and ever-present at local events and karaoke nights. In 2024, she made her final national appearance in a powerful collaboration with Kisha Kay and Claudette Peters on the anthem It’s Carnival.
Tributes have begun pouring in following her passing. Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire remarked, “The carnival and musical fraternity mourns the loss of a beloved and treasured gem, friend and soca queen, Nicole David. A true Soca Queen — not just by title, but by the undeniable fire she brought to the genre — she leaves behind a carnival of memories and melodies that will echo through time. Her physical presence is no longer with us, but her spirit will never fade. Her voice lives in every fete, every road march, every soul that dances to the rhythm of the islands. She may be gone, but her music makes her immortal.”
Nicki David’s legacy is eternal. Her voice, strength, and passion will continue to inspire generations.
