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Archived: Machel Montano Museum Puts Focus On Celebrating T&T's Legends
Montano walks through Boissiere House where 33 years of his memorabilia is being exhibited.
Seems like his power isn’t just felt on stage when it comes to the arts and culture of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Machel Montano is proving that his influence has the power to reach even the ears of government officials. This was realized yesterday with the announcement by Trinidad and Tobago’s Arts and Multiculturalism Minister, Dr. Lincoln Douglas that veteran Calypsonian, Dr. Slinger Francisco, best known as Sparrow, will have his memorabilia displayed in a museum, much like Machel Montano’s has been, in exchange for a $2 Million dollar cheque.
Montano’s memorabilia display, dubbed “Onstage”, at Boissiere House around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, has been the talk of the town in the past week. The items on display represent Machel’s 33 -year- career span in the Soca music industry- items collected by his mother and former manager, Elizabeth Montano. Recently, in a chat with ETCETERABUZZ.COM, Mrs. Montano said her son’s 33rd year in the business of soca, will be a celebration of mammoth proportions, since the numeral is an important one, in itself, for the team.
The Mighty Sparrow’s works are expected to be put on display from February, 2015, according to the country’s culture minister. He also explained that a culture village would be prepared by government to display the memorabilia of the eight time Road March and Calypso Monarch king- dubbed the Calypso King of the World.
Machel Montano shares a moment with his parents at the launch of the exhibition.
Machel Montano meanwhile, is making his expressions felt, no doubt. His call for focus to be placed on the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s artistic heroes, has obviously been heard.
In an Instagram post following the launch of the museum, Montano thanked his parents for their dedication to him over the years, “I would like to pay my respects to my hard working and beautiful Parents , Winston and Elizabeth Montano for all they have done to raise my brother Marcus and I and the rest of our family ! Their sacrifice has allowed us to live lives of great success and we cherish the memories we have amassed ! What a journey ! Thank you so much more to come . The legacy stands at the ” On Stage 33yr archive exhibition at The Boissiere’s House Queens Park West,” he wrote.
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Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.