At age 9, after a flat calypso performance, Machel Montano whispered to himself backstage: “No, fix it.” That moment sparked a lifelong mission to make soca irresistible and relevant. Unlike peers who chased foreign trends, Montano dedicated over four decades to elevating Caribbean music on the global stage. Today, with an unprecedented 22 major monarch titles — Trinidad’s coveted musical crowns earned through lyrical battles and cultural storytelling — he stands as soca’s guardian and innovator.
Montano’s journey began in 1984, inspired by global icons but driven by a passion for Caribbean rhythms. His 1986 debut single, “Too Young To Soca,” launched him into the calypso tents as a boy among veterans, igniting his resolve to blend soca with hip-hop, R&B, and classical influences. Despite early setbacks, including a challenging “Star Search” performance that earned puzzled silence, Montano’s inner voice urged persistence: “No, fix it.”
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His evolution is embodied in his 2025 album One Degree Hotter, a powerful blend of tradition and innovation created after earning a Master’s in Carnival Studies. The album bridges past and future, mixing retro drum machines with global influences like afrobeats and reggaeton, reflecting his vision to expand soca beyond Caribbean shores.
Montano’s collaborations with international stars such as Ne-Yo, Beyoncé, and Major Lazer underscore his mission. His track “Truth & Balance (Remix)” with Ne-Yo exemplifies this fusion—melding Caribbean joy with global sounds. Despite multiple sold-out Madison Square Garden shows and a historic NPR Tiny Desk concert, Montano notes the genre still lacks a dedicated GRAMMY category, a recognition he hopes future generations will secure.
He recalls that early years of music were fueled by excitement, but now he approaches performance and songwriting as sacred work, honoring soca’s spiritual power to transcend the physical and connect deeply with audiences. His relentless output—releasing multiple albums yearly, pushing creative boundaries, and mentoring younger artists—has moved soca forward.
Montano’s lasting legacy aims beyond trophies or fame: to leave a cultural imprint of love, pride, and authenticity. “I want people to feel and understand my music and spirit,” he says. “I’m constantly trying to be love, in its full intensity.”
