The dynamic sounds of the T&T-born genre filled the Washington, DC studio, as Machel Montano and a group of gifted musicians made history, being the first the grace the NPR Tiny Desk concert with high energy and good vibes which embodied the feel of the Soca genre.
On January 13, the 20-minute performance was posted to YouTube. Many of the videos in the Tiny Desk Concert series, which debuted in 2008, have received millions of views. It enables musicians and vocalists to perform live at small-scale events.
Nearly 3,000 videos have been submitted to NPR Music’s YouTube account, which boasts over 10 million followers.
Montano’s 2007 hit song “One More Time” launched the performance in front of a live crowd.
“My name is Machel Montano from Trinidad and Tobago,” he introduced himself to the crowd before beginning the remainder of his performance. “It’s always dancing time” in the Caribbean, he continued.
He continued with songs like “Dance With You,” “Famalay,” “Like Ah Boss,” “Fast Wine,” and “Soca Kingdom.” People in the audience were singing, dancing, and jumping. Some even brandished bandanas with the flags of various Caribbean nations.
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With Kyle Peters on guitar, Bayete Williams on keyboard, Duane “Abletron Gawd” Williams on effects, Dwain “Dwaingerous” Antrobus on keyboard, Damien Neblett on bass guitar, Melvin Alick on drums, Etienne Charles on trumpet and flugelhorn, Rhys Thompson and Modupe Onilu aka Boomboomroomtt on percussion, and Lamar Antwon Robinson and Michael Chandler on backup vocals, Montano was joined by these musicians.
Montano said in an Instagram post that it was “our (T&T’s) moment” as well as his.
“Today we made history. For the first time ever, Soca music has graced the iconic NPR Tiny Desk stage, and I am filled with gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of pride, to represent our culture on this global platform,” he remarked.
The Mr. Fete singer further noted, “(This is) a moment for every Soca lover, every Caribbean soul, and every person who carries the rhythm of the islands in their heart. Let’s celebrate this milestone together. Watch it. Share it. Be proud of how far our music has come. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
NPR Music posted to their Instagram page, “Stretch and loosen up! Machel Montano is the first to bring Soca, the high-energy dance music of the Caribbean, to the desk.”
Montano responded to the post stating, “What an honor and a privilege! Thank you for the opportunity and for sharing the joy of Soca to the world. We had a blast at your spot!”
