In 2025, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic superstars, Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Montano broke through the glass ceiling internationally, appearing on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series. It was the first for Soca music. The YouTube platform boasts a massive audience in excess of 12 million subscribers. Machel and the Monk Band’s appearance has racked up 1.3million views since it was dropped online back on January 13th, 2025.
Machel Montano continues his reign as the King of Soca music, but more than that, the artiste’s catalogue and influence, spanning more than 30 years, continues to point the world in one direction – the Mecca- Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth.
Despite quite a lot of International and regional developments, new Soca music is being released by artistes in high anticipation of another epic Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. Machel’s latest release is a collaboration with St. Vincent and the Grenadine’s Skinny Fabulous and Grenada’s Lil Natty and Thunda, called, “Pull De Pin.” In 5 days, 506,000 people have checked out the release on YouTube, proving the magnetic pull of this trio.
One of the year’s highlghts for Soca music and the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was in fact Machel’s appearance on the NPR Music Tiny Desk series. It has been hailed as one of the best Tiny Desk performances of 2025, by Welcome to The Culture.
In an interview with Mauricio Ruiz – Host of the Manager’s Playbook, Machel shared that initially, he did have reservations about doing the show. “I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t think I was ready,” he said on the Podcast. His manager, Che Kothari was persistent though, and eventually, Machel Montano and the Monk band was booked for the acoustic style performance on January 13th, 2025. During that showcase, Machel’s Power Soca music was stripped down. “I know he is a genius, a curator ; All you have to do is put those two entities together and it would be magic and it would have such a ripple effect in this region,” said Che during the Manager’s Playbook interview, and that it did.
That episode of the NPR Tiny Desk series has been acclaimed by Caribbean music lovers, some admitting that it had even brought tears to their eyes. “This is my first time being exposed to this artiste and I’m not too familiar with Soca, but he’s a vibe! I will be checking out more of his music,” said one viewer. Another commenter who said he is Bangladeshi-Australian said, “no other music fills me up with joy the way this music does. I hope that there’s casual Tiny Desk viewers from around the world who decide to watch this video and find their next musical love.”
Machel Montano’s groundbreaking performance on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series was one of this year’s biggest wins for Soca music. The insistence of his manager, Che Kothari was undoubtedly a major factor in what the world got the opportunity to experience in January. Machel said it was an authentic, real experience, and it meant something big not just for him, but for the people doing it – the musicians who were there, side by side with him.
At a time when the Soca landscape is constantly evolving and newer artistes are often focused on creating music for the party, soca artiste Terron is taking a different approach with his song, “Know A Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the beauty, culture and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.
For Terron, the song is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of gratitude and connection to a country that has remained close to his heart, despite spending much of his life abroad. Having migrated to the United States of America as a child, Terron grew up far from his birthplace. The distance, however, never diminished his appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, his visits back home became treasured experiences filled with moments he looked forward to and still holds dear. Those visits offered opportunities to reconnect with the people, places and cultural experiences that made Trinidad and Tobago feel special to him. That enduring connection is at the heart of “Know A Place.”
While many emerging artistes focus on creating music that dominates parties and create viral moments, Terron is embracing a subject that is less commonly explored by artistes at the beginning of their careers: music that celebrates national identity and contributes to the broader conversation about nation building. His deliberate choice reflects his appreciation for the country and his desire to celebrate what makes it unique.
Through music, Terron hopes to remind listeners that the value of Trinidad and Tobago extends beyond its world-renowned Carnival celebrations. It is also found in the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness and people. “Know A Place” invites listeners to reflect on what Trinidad and Tobago means to them, whether they live in the twin-island republic or carry memories of home from thousands of miles away. For those in the diaspora, the song offers an opportunity to reconnect with familiar feelings and experiences and for those at home, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and character of the place they call their own.
Terron’s approach also speaks to the wider role of music in shaping how a country sees itself and how the rest of the world experiences it. “Soca music has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing Caribbean identity,” shares Terron. It is his hope that this song will reinforce why T&T should be appreciated and cherished.
Shot over the course of four days, the project, which was released on October 9, features sights from Paramin, DDI, Chaguaramas, San Fernando, Tobago, and Port of Spain. “Know A Place” is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate a country is to tell its story.
There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.
Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.
URAVE’s Kariym Balthazar
Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.
Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fortin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”
URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.
Roland Hamilton says URAVE was conceptualized in 2015.
The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.
Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 2027,” he said.
The Economics and the People.
All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”
On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Artistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.
Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.
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