For 30 years and counting, Machel Montano has been at the heart of the Soca genre. He’s been the trendsetter for a sound and a culture that is only now beginning to receive mainstream attention. In the past few years soca music and by extension, Montano’s birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago has been mentioned and spoken of by many international publications and media houses, and while the 41-year-old soca superstar isn’t solely responsible for it all, his efforts in promoting what he loves most cannot be questioned. The question we’re however pondering is, what’s next for this creative mastermind?
Machel performed alongside Jamaica’s Mavado, at OVO Fest in Toronto on July 31st.
The strength of Montano’s team has certainly factored tremendously when it comes to what he’s been able to achieve. He’s got a well oiled machine so what we can most certainly expect, are bigger moves by the man who has already collaborated with some pretty incredible people from around the world. Last week, Machel was featured as one of the headline acts at rapper, Drake’s OVO Fest in Toronto, Canada. The event coincided with Caribana and was well attended to say the least. Again, the Monk displayed his country’s pulsating energy to thousands. One week later, Montano’s name shows up in a Bazodee NYC launch review, inThe New York Times proving that nothing is ever left to chance. The MM team- that well oiled machine, is always hard at work.
Machel Montano escorts his Bazodee co-star, Natalie Perera in NYC. for the premiere of the film in the US.
Trinidad and Tobago, an island synonymous with the Carnival culture that is blowing up around the world, has held Machel Montano atop a pedestal for as long as he’s been a soca star. He’s deemed the best there is, and in some people’s minds, the best there ever could be. He’s the golden boy of T&T and despite numerous rumors of ill behavior on his part, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and the world, can never seem to get enough of their soca hero. But, can you really give them wrong?
Montano’s carried the flag of Trinidad and Tobago for over a decade, across oceans, to corners of this earth many others in T&T have only hoped to visit. He has created music that will be anthems for years to come and at this very moment, he’s working on reinventing himself and his sound, much like he’s always done. At 41, Machel Montano is showing no sign of stopping of even slowing down for that matter. He visited the White House and sang Soca there this year too. Add the launch of his acting career and co-producer of Bazodee and you’ve got several reasons why he’s not just T&T’s Golden boy, but one of the Caribbean’s greatest ambassadors.
Billboard subliminally revealed that Machel was signed to Drake’s Canadian label.
On Monday, Billboard Magazine’s digital medium published the headline, “Drake Co-Signed Soca Star Machel Montano Talks Making a Global Impact and Heading to the Big Screen.” Everyone was eager to find out what was really going down. Alas, details were non existent in the story as it relates to the “Co-Signed” term, and efforts to reach Montano by EBUZZTT.COM proved futile. We however searched the World Wide Web and on Wikipedia we spotted Machel Montano’s name toward the end of the list of signed acts. There’s still no confirmation as to exactly what’s going down where such a partnership is concerned.
The buzz surrounding Machel Montano is deafeningly loud. He continues to work hard, pouring out his energy into a music, a culture, a country, a career that he was born to be a part of and lead. Now, what will he do next? He says a unity project is at the fore of things and Angela Hunte- the Trini born, Brooklyn singer/songwriter is right at his side….
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
Spice is nominated in 5 categories.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
Anson George
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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