Machel Montano Aims For Another Title

Described as the hardest worker in Caribbean music, Machel Montano, who is the reigning Calypso monarch of Trinidad and Tobago and hailed as the undisputed Soca King of the world, is challenging himself yet again.

He has won the Young Kings title, Road March, Soca Monarch, and Calypso Monarch and is now aiming for the Chutney Soca Monarch title.

This week, Machel qualified to compete in the semi-final stage of the BMobile Chutney Soca Monarch, slated for February 8, 2025.

Chutney Soca is a crossover style of music incorporating soca, calypso and East-Indian music elements with a heavy emphasis on tassa and tabla drumming as well as English and Hindi lyrics.

Machel had his first taste of Chutney soca success in 2000 when he released the song “Real Unity” featuring popular Chutney star Drupatee.

This year, he returns with another Chutney offering, “Pepper Vine” again, featuring Drupatee and Lady Lava. Eight female artistes and twenty-six male artistes were selected for the semis of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, including nine-time winner Rikki Jai.

This is Machel’s first attempt at the Chutney Soca Monarch Crown, having won the National Calypso Monarch title for the first time in 2024 with the song “Soul of Calypso”.

Machel, who began his career in 1982 at the age of seven, released his debut album “Too Young to Soca” in 1985.

In 1991, he won the Young Kings competition. He also won the Road March title in 1997 with the song “Big Truck.” It was the first of ten Road March titles, the last one, 2019’s “Famalay” with Skinny Fabulous and Bunji Garlin.

The prolific songwriter and performer’s winning streak also includes four Soca Monarch titles – 2011-2015, tying with Superblue in 2013, and two Groovy Soca Monarch wins- 2012 and 2013.

Machel Montano has also received several international awards and accolades, including awards from BET and a Soul Train Music award.

Headline photo from Facebook