The nostalgia has begun to set in. Machel Montano and Ravi B have been reflecting on Montano’s signature carnival event, Machel Monday, which was last held in 2020. That was also the experience where fans of the Soca Taipan were able to witness his nuptials live. Yes! Machel Montano did get married a second time, to the same beautiful woman, in the same week, on stage at Machel Monday. Now, the heavyweight of Caribbean entertainment is hinting at a major celebration to come.
In 2020, Machel had signaled the end to the Machel Monday concept. One year later, Covid19 crippled the entertainment industry globally, and there would be no talk of Machel Monday or Carnival for that matter. Now, the artist who has given fans songs like, ‘Happy Papi,’ ’10 Outta 10,’ and ‘Bad Chargie’ with Viking Ding Dong in 2022, has signaled “greater things to come.”
Reminded of the date by fellow entertainer, Ravi B, Machel reposted a video of Machel Monday 2020, this past Monday, saying, “Seeing this I thought of the saying, ‘what eh miss yuh eh pass yuh,’ but I do miss this and I am grateful to all the MM family, friends and fans on stage, backstage and watching the stage. Just know there will be greater things to come.”
Now married and enjoying moments of solitude with his wife Renee, Machel reminded fans that he started his career in soca in 1982. “I started in 1982 and it’s 2022. Do the math,” he said, before ending with, “I think we have a celebration coming!”
What do you suspect he has up his sleeve? This April, together with Tribe, Montano delivers Melé Destinations where fans will fete and enjoy a true vacation in Cancun, Mexico for five days! That’s pretty exciting so there’s no doubt that whatever he’s coming with will top that experience… after all it will be a celebration of 40 years of Machel Montano in Soca!
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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