Ricardo "Daddy Chinee" Melville is a cornerstone of versatility in the Trinidad and Tobago music industry. Renowned as a dynamic crossover artist, he masterfully performs across genres including Soca, Chutney Soca, Reggae, and Soca Parang. His prolific international career includes performances across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, with notable appearances in Barbados, Guyana, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Canada (Winnipeg), the United States (New York, Miami, Houston), the Netherlands (Holland) and Spain (Barcelona).

Born in Tobago on June 26th, 1973, and raised in Trinidad, Melville began singing at age 13. By 18, he embarked on his professional journey, making his official debut at Toco Composite High School graduation ceremony. His talent and dedication have made him a sought-after vocalist for many acclaimed bands. He has performed with groups like the Roy Cape Allstars, Sound Revolution, Jah Vibes, Melobugs, T&Tec Gayatones, Trishul, Dil- E- Nadan and is a former founder of the band ‘Hipnotic’. Daddy Chinee is currently a featured member of RG The Band, led by Rishi Gayadeen.

Driven by a relentless work ethic and a passion for performance, Daddy Chinee has earned widespread respect both at home and abroad. He describes his greatest joy as the electric connection with a live audience, feeding off their positive energy to create unforgettable experiences.

Artist Mission: To create music that resonates with a global audience, transcending racial and cultural boundaries all year round.

Selected Career Highlights & Achievements

2024

• Placed 2nd in the National Chutney Soca Monarch Competition.

• Nominated by NACC Communications for "Top 40 Stars of Gold" and "Calypso of the Year."

2023 (A Landmark Year)

• 1st Place, Chutney Soca Monarch Competition.

• 1st Place, CRC Rani & Raja Online International Chutney Soca Competition.

• 1st Place, 103.1fm Chutney Soca Road March Competition.

• 1st Place, SAO Parang Competition.

2022

• 1st Place, Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition (Chutney Soca).

• 2nd Place, Senior Intellectual Chutney Monarch Competition.

• 3rd Place, Chutney Soca Monarch Competition.

• 3rd Place, 100fm’s Groovy Monarch Sing Off Competition.

• 4th Place, 103fm’s Chutney Soca Road March Competition.

2021

• 1st Place, CRC Rani & Raja Online International Chutney Soca Competition.

• 3rd Place, Chutney Soca Monarch Competition.

2019-2020

• Finalist in the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition (both years).

• Member of prestigious calypso tents: Icons (2019) and Kaiso Showcase (2020).

Notable Career Milestones:

• 1993: 1st Place, Sangre Grande Soca Monarch Competition.

• 1994: Performed with the Kiskadee Caravan and the Government Classic Rosso Calypso Tent.

• 2008: Placed 8th in the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition.

• International Collaboration: Shared the stage with international Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Morgan Heritage in Winnipeg with Sound Revolution.