Ebuzz News
Archived: Tears, Hugs, MUSIC… Machel Monday Delivers Global Music Showcase To Thousands In Trinidad.
He came in like a boss and by the end of what turned out to be a six hour long showcase of global music, Machel Montano came in for praise among fans who came out in their numbers on Machel Monday in Trinidad. The Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain was filled to capacity, by all accounts and even with the General Admission patrons being forced to view things from quite a distance, the vibe at the much touted and anticipated annual event, was on point.
Machel Montano sings, “Pop A Bottle” at Machel Monday. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
Montano made his grand entrance into the venue at around 9:45pm, leading a drum line from the car park of the stadium, through the tunnel and onto the stage, his fans looking on in awe. Stage side, Montano’s accompanying dancers and drummers towered over him from several decks that were erected over the main stage area. Screens provided patrons with an up close view of his every move and when the sound of his larger that life hit single blared, the stadium erupted. “I does do it like a boss,”- it was a refrain that could be heard miles away at that very moment and there was no doubt that Machel had arrived.
Machel referred to Farmer Nappy as his family on stage at Machel Monday. Both Farmer and Patrice Roberts are no longer linked to Montano’s band, however. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
The night was filled with numerous acts, local, regional and international. Creativity seemed to have been explored and infused in every possible way on stage- this as the Monk changed several times, delivering to his fans an image for every feeling he projected . His recently released track, “On My Way,” introduced a level of introspection on show night, Montano’s words seemingly calling on every Trinbagonian to assess their appreciation for country and make changes for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago. On several occasions he called for love and when former HD bandmates, Farmer Nappy and Patrice Roberts were introduced, Machel referred to them as his family. He said he began Xtatic with Farmer Nappy, crediting him and thanking him for his years of dedication. With Roberts, he sang two duets, the new single, “Great Parade” and the single that won them the road march title, “Band Of The Year,” but before that, Montano had brought on Bajan beauty, Alison Hinds and the artiste he referred to as one of the best songwriters around, Nadia Batson. Batson took the opportunity to thank Machel, telling him, ” If no one has ever thanked you, I thank you for your love and your music.”
From Major Lazer’s, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, dancehall artistes, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Chris Martin and Beenie Man, to the legendary Fat Man Scoop and 6-year-old Papa J, the entertainment seemed never-ending. Each regional act performed their hits, Beenie Man getting the crowd’s attention like no other. Some felt Sean Paul’s performance lacked in many areas, but despite that, the show was touted by Montano as the first without hiccup. A vocally melodic performance with female soca artiste, Destra Garcia would lead to some speculation that there was more to their relationship than just music, but that is certainly just speculation. Love certainly took centre stage as the duo showed fans that they had buried any differences, Destra singing Adelle’s “Someone Like You” and to that Machel responded with Bob Marley’s, “No Woman, No Cry.” In the end, their relationship seemed stronger than ever.
Machel Montano performs on stage with Angela Hunte. PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Wheeler.
Machel Monday definitely started the Carnival countdown right. Montano’s performance with international singer and songwriter, Angela Hunte, may have been the best for the night, Hunte becoming emotional as she held on to Montano at the end of their performance of “Party Done,” the entertainer who was raised in T&T, telling Monk Monte that being on stage in Trinidad was a dream come true.
Machel next performs at Destra’s House of Bakanal at O2 Park this Wednesday. Even amid the aftermath of what may have been one of his best events to date however, there remain dark clouds over his parade as newspaper reports this morning indicated that organizers of Fatima Fete are now calling for the soca megastar to apologize for his “deplorable” behavior at their fete, held just two days before Machel Monday.
Ebuzz News
Kymani Marley Set to Release Anticipated New Album, on August 28th. Latest Single, “A Little Bit,” Delves Deep.
Ky-Mani Marley returns with “A Little Bit (I’m Okay),” the fourth and final single ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Love and Energy, which is slated for an August 28th release, and available to pre-save now on all digital platforms via his Konfrontation Muziklabel in partnership with New York-based DubShot Records.
Written by Ky-Mani, his daughter Imani Marley, and longtime collaborator Shaquel Leon, “A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” turns a deeply personal chapter in Marley’s life into an honest reflection on mistakes, uncertainty, resilience and ultimately, acceptance. Rather than pretending everything is perfect, Ky-Mani lands somewhere more real: life can take you down roads you never expected, force you to question yourself and leave you carrying lessons you never asked for — and you can still come through it able to say, I’m okay.
“A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” became a crowd favorite during the European leg of Ky-Mani’s recent Love and Energy summer tour. A live video for the song, which premiered on his YouTube channel, captures an intimate performance filmed at the Toulouse Rio Loco Festival in France this past June, alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the road.
Built around a classic one-drop reggae rhythm and the distinctive cry of pedal steel guitar from musician Tal Morris, the track was produced by Ky-Mani Marley, Anthony Smith, and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown. Ky-Mani opens the song with a vulnerable look at the roads that shaped him. “I’ve been walking roads with no clear signs, trying to read between the wrong and the right lines. I took some turns I didn’t plan, just trying to figure out who I am– made some mistakes I can’t erase, but that’s alright.”
For Marley, the message is not about having life completely figured out. It is about making peace with the journey. “‘A Little Bit (I’m Okay)’ came from a real place in my life,” he said, adding, “I was going through some things, questioning things, looking at choices I made and roads I had taken. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned, and you don’t always have all the answers. But you learn, you grow and you keep moving. For me, being able to say ‘I’m okay’ doesn’t mean everything is perfect – it means I’ve made peace with where I’ve been and I’m grateful for where I am. That feeling runs through Love and Energy. This album is probably one of the most honest reflections of where I am today,”
That sentiment sits at the heart of Love and Energy, a 14-song collection accompanied by two spoken-word reflections, marking Ky-Mani’s first solo studio album in more than a decade. Throughout the project, Marley explores the experiences, relationships, struggles and growth that have shaped both the artiste and the man he is today, while staying rooted in the reggae foundation that has defined his musical journey.
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
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