Ebuzz News
Archived: Tears, Hugs, MUSIC… Machel Monday Delivers Global Music Showcase To Thousands In Trinidad.
He came in like a boss and by the end of what turned out to be a six hour long showcase of global music, Machel Montano came in for praise among fans who came out in their numbers on Machel Monday in Trinidad. The Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain was filled to capacity, by all accounts and even with the General Admission patrons being forced to view things from quite a distance, the vibe at the much touted and anticipated annual event, was on point.
Machel Montano sings, “Pop A Bottle” at Machel Monday. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
Montano made his grand entrance into the venue at around 9:45pm, leading a drum line from the car park of the stadium, through the tunnel and onto the stage, his fans looking on in awe. Stage side, Montano’s accompanying dancers and drummers towered over him from several decks that were erected over the main stage area. Screens provided patrons with an up close view of his every move and when the sound of his larger that life hit single blared, the stadium erupted. “I does do it like a boss,”- it was a refrain that could be heard miles away at that very moment and there was no doubt that Machel had arrived.
Machel referred to Farmer Nappy as his family on stage at Machel Monday. Both Farmer and Patrice Roberts are no longer linked to Montano’s band, however. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
The night was filled with numerous acts, local, regional and international. Creativity seemed to have been explored and infused in every possible way on stage- this as the Monk changed several times, delivering to his fans an image for every feeling he projected . His recently released track, “On My Way,” introduced a level of introspection on show night, Montano’s words seemingly calling on every Trinbagonian to assess their appreciation for country and make changes for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago. On several occasions he called for love and when former HD bandmates, Farmer Nappy and Patrice Roberts were introduced, Machel referred to them as his family. He said he began Xtatic with Farmer Nappy, crediting him and thanking him for his years of dedication. With Roberts, he sang two duets, the new single, “Great Parade” and the single that won them the road march title, “Band Of The Year,” but before that, Montano had brought on Bajan beauty, Alison Hinds and the artiste he referred to as one of the best songwriters around, Nadia Batson. Batson took the opportunity to thank Machel, telling him, ” If no one has ever thanked you, I thank you for your love and your music.”
From Major Lazer’s, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, dancehall artistes, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Chris Martin and Beenie Man, to the legendary Fat Man Scoop and 6-year-old Papa J, the entertainment seemed never-ending. Each regional act performed their hits, Beenie Man getting the crowd’s attention like no other. Some felt Sean Paul’s performance lacked in many areas, but despite that, the show was touted by Montano as the first without hiccup. A vocally melodic performance with female soca artiste, Destra Garcia would lead to some speculation that there was more to their relationship than just music, but that is certainly just speculation. Love certainly took centre stage as the duo showed fans that they had buried any differences, Destra singing Adelle’s “Someone Like You” and to that Machel responded with Bob Marley’s, “No Woman, No Cry.” In the end, their relationship seemed stronger than ever.
Machel Montano performs on stage with Angela Hunte. PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Wheeler.
Machel Monday definitely started the Carnival countdown right. Montano’s performance with international singer and songwriter, Angela Hunte, may have been the best for the night, Hunte becoming emotional as she held on to Montano at the end of their performance of “Party Done,” the entertainer who was raised in T&T, telling Monk Monte that being on stage in Trinidad was a dream come true.
Machel next performs at Destra’s House of Bakanal at O2 Park this Wednesday. Even amid the aftermath of what may have been one of his best events to date however, there remain dark clouds over his parade as newspaper reports this morning indicated that organizers of Fatima Fete are now calling for the soca megastar to apologize for his “deplorable” behavior at their fete, held just two days before Machel Monday.
Reggae
New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise shares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
Music News
Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.
