Caribbean Entertainment Hub has named Machel Montano Soca Artist of the year for 2022.

The evolution of Machel Montano into Monk Monte has been a beautiful journey that has impacted millions of lives; this year he became an ambassador of the Save Soil movement as part of his own journey to greater spirituality and awareness. He embarked on an intensive tour with renowned Yogi, Sadhguru of India to promote the importance of cherishing mother earth.

2022 marks 40 years since Machel has been in the music industry. Although 40 is an impressive number, the figure represents more than just the passage of time. It represents 40 years of unmatched talent, 40 years of dedication to the expansion of soca, 40 years of art, and 40 years of redefining what it means to be an entertainer in Trinidad and Tobago.

Success is no stranger to Machel Montano. He has won the International Soca Monarch competition 6 times, sold out Madison Square Gardens on several occasions, and produced an internationally accredited film (Bazode). However, 2022 has been a very special year for him. Staying relevant in an industry as competitive as music for 40 years is not an easy accomplishment. “Machel Montano 40th Anniversary” celebration tour saw him selling out Barclays Centre in Brooklyn and numerous other venues throughout North America and the Caribbean; not to mention his successful first Mele Cruise  in Cancun, Mexico in July this year

His impressive career was commemorated at the start of the 2023 Carnival season on July 22nd, 2022 at Tribe’s weekend-long Band Launch. He was bestowed with the Key to the City of Port of Spain South by Major Joel Martinez. While giving his acceptance speech on Aripita Avenue Montano said that “him receiving the key to Port of Spain, the epicentre of Carnival in the country gives him the strength to continue for another 20 years” (Newsdaytt). Surely fans are all happy to know that their beloved King has many more years of music left in him. Moreover, Trinidad and Tobago honoured the “King of Soca,” at their 46th Republic day celebrations. He was given the “Hummingbird Gold National Award.” This award is given to outstanding citizens and it is no surprise that a global trendsetter such as Montano was honoured with the award. Upon receiving the award Montano gave a heartfelt shoutout to his fans saying that over the last 40 years his fans have become part of his “music famalay.”

In addition to receiving two national accolades, Machel Montano’s biography was published in 2022. Written by his mother Elizabeth Montano, the biography entitled, “King of Soca,” details his life and career. The biography tells his journey and what it took for him to achieve international success in a difficult industry. His career started at the tender age of 9 and since then he has continued to wow not only the Caribbean but the world. As a public figure, Machel Montano has built a worldwide persona and brand. Moreover, he has been public about his spiritual journey and that the evolution of soca music is his purpose in life. His biography expounds his unique story and growth and is another crowning achievement of his 40-year anniversary.

Furthermore, Montano’s international success can not go unnoticed. To celebrate his 40 years in the music industry Montano held a roast in Brooklyn on November 23rd, 2023. It was hosted by Majah Hype and featured international sensation and Montano’s personal friend Lilly Singh. Additionally, on April 27th, 2023 the soca star is scheduled to perform onboard the Mele Cruise from Miami Florida. Truly enjoyment of his music transcends borders and his mission to have soca music a part of the mainstream music industry is coming to life.

Thus it is with great honour that Caribbean Entertainment Hub names the “King of Soca,” Soca Artist of the Year for 2022. During Carnival 2023 as you dance to the tune “Never Again,” at a fete remember that soca is more than just music to Machel. It is his culture, it is his purpose, it is his legacy. No matter which part of the world you are once you listen to soca you are all part of his “famalay.”

 

References

Machel Montano.com https://machelmontano.com/shows/

Caribbean National Weekly https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/entertainment/machel-receives-hummingbird-gold-national-award/

Newsdaytt https://newsday.co.tt/2022/07/23/machel-gets-key-to-city-of-port-of-spain/

Celebnetworth.com https://www.celebnetworths.com/famous/machel-montano-net-worth-age-height-wife

Guardian https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.417343.04b55bebe3