Ebuzz News
Archived: ONE ON ONE With Double M- Machel Talks Critics… and His Investment In Soca Music
With power comes great responsibility. Whether soca artiste Machel Montano is powerful in Trinidad and Tobago is left for the masses to decide but one thing’s for sure and that’s the fact that come Carnival, thousands make themselves present at events where he is advertised as the feature act. In Grenada last week, ETCETERABUZZ.COM saw and felt that ‘power’ of gravitation when Montano appeared on stage at the White in the Moonlight event hosted in the prelude to the two day parade for Spice Mas. A couple hours later, we sat with Montano at the beautiful Grand Beach Hotel in Grand Anse. He welcomed the interview warmly, opening up on numerous topics, one of which was the issue of investing in Soca music.
Montano says he hasn’t listened to the words of critics for the past 15 years.
Montano said it was apparent that there was a growing level of interest being paid, globally, to the Soca genre. He highlighted the hard work that has gone into the development of the genre, noting that personally, he has been going and going almost non stop- a situation he admittedly indicated has been difficult, in the end telling us, “but this has been our life and thanks to technology now, people can see and share in the experience.”
Most recently, Montano teamed up with Morgan Heritage on a single called, “I See Lots,” a single dedicated to the Sea Lots, Trinidad community that has been scarred by poverty and crime. A video for the single which was posted just three days ago on YouTube, has already amassed over 8000 views. Montano says there are things taking place behind the scenes that people never have the chance to see. He admitted to helping silently and told us that he has invested the most money in soca music over the years. “I have invested in artistes, in shows that put us on the map, I invest in the music industry…A lot of the people that are now with bands, have passed through my institution. People don’t see that but they often ask a negative question before they even investigate,” he said.
Machel Montano told us that he has separated himself from critics. He said he did this approximately 15 years ago and as such, he doesn’t hear the words of critics anymore. “I don’t look at it on Twitter, I don’t look at it on Facebook- I don’t do Facebook. I have a very focused, tunnel vision so that while they minding my business, my business minding me,” he said.
On how he successfully woos promoters and audiences year after year with his music, Montano said it isn’t Mathematics. “We work three times as hard. We always working. Every week we recording and we have songs written and songs started and songs working on. Our objective is to make music reflecting the highest expression of who we are and take it to the corners of the globe,” he explained. With that, he noted that the team makes music when they rise daily and they keep working on that higher expression of who they are- to become better individuals, better fathers, better businessmen, better students, better listeners. He said they then take this to the corners of the globe by flying the T&T flag wherever they go.
Machel Montano has faced criticism for many things, but undaunted, he carries on. He described Grenada’s carnival experience to us as unique. He said everyone should try it. “I think we out of slavery, we out of colonisation and I think that by now, everybody should know man.. it so easy to come and check Grenada and check Barbados and check St. Lucia. It’s time for us to release these chains and barriers and really come and experience our people,” he said.
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Ebuzz News
Tobago’s Trendsetter Goofy, A Different Kind of Cultural Ambassador. Show Some Respect.
As Tobago Carnival looms, one artiste who wears the hat of DJ as well, is being singled out as an example of cultural ambassadors who seldom receive the love and support they tremendously deserve.
Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago. In 2025, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. His efforts have gone by relatively unnoticed by the general public at home in T&T.
In a statement shared by Marion Nwankwo, she notes there is a strong will to change this sad reality. “They pay out of their own pockets. They sacrifice time with their families, take leave from their jobs, face financial setbacks and travel thousands of miles, all to share the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago with the world. Yet, too often, their stories go untold,” Marion says.
Noting that people like Trendsetter Goofy are “a different kind of cultural ambassador,” she says they are quietly making an impact. “These are the independent artistes and DJs who believe in their music so deeply that they are willing to invest their own hard-earned money, take personal risks and create opportunities for themselves when the industry does not open its doors for them,”she adds.
Trendsetter Goofy is Daren Phillips. This season, he released ‘Take Ah Drink’ on the Bumper Sticker Riddim. He followed that up with ‘This Is Life.’ Marion, in her statement said, “His story raises a question that deserves our attention. Why do we so often celebrate our culture on the world stage without giving enough recognition to the people who personally sacrifice so much to bring it there?”
Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago who is building his career through determination, personal investment and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey is a powerful example of the dedication required to represent his homeland internationally, often without the financial rewards or public recognition that such efforts deserve.
Last year, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. “Behind these achievements were not only performances and travel, but also the realities of everyday life: arranging time away from work, making family commitments work, investing personal resources and dealing with opportunities that did not always go to plan,” shared Marion.
This heartfelt plea for consideration to the less publicly known creatives and cultural ambassadors comes as Tobago announces its first ever Road March competition on the island. It begs the question : Who are the Tobago artistes in the race and are the contenders all known to the public at large who will be in attendance at this year’s Carnival in Tobago?
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Terri Lyons: “It feels as Though We Are Losing our Icons Right Before our Eyes.”
In the wake of news on Wednesday, October 21st, that Caypsonian, Brother Valentino has passed away, Calypso Queen, Terri Lyons has expressed deep sadness, saying she feels an immense sense of loss for the Artform and for her country, Trinidad and Tobago.
Brother Valentino was 85 years old. He was born in Grenada but moved to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 5. His repertoire of Calypso classics included, ‘Life Is A Stage,’ ‘Barking Dogs’ and ‘Birds That Fly.’
Lyons, in a statement issued said, as a two-time Calypso Monarch who carries the profound honor of making history within the Calypso arena, she is deeply aware of the weight the title holds. “The National Calypso Monarch represents the global body of our sacred artform – a legacy built entirely on the backs of the many soldiers, warriors, and pioneers who laid the foundation for my generation to stand on,”she said. The ‘Obeah’ singer said, “It feels as though we are losing our icons right before our very eyes, watching the living library of our heritage depart.”
Extending her condolences to Brother Valentino’s family, close friends and the entire Calypso fraternity, Lyons added, “We have lost another true giant of the Artform. While we mourn here on earth, we take comfort in knowing he has peacefully transitioned, earned his wings, and joined the great calypso tent in the sky. May his music, his legacy, and his spirit live on forever through us. Rest in eternal peace.”
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Ebuzz News4 hours agoTerri Lyons: “It feels as Though We Are Losing our Icons Right Before our Eyes.”
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