From the vibrant birthplace of Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago, emerges Machel Montano, a soca artist who has been performing ‘Like Ah Boss’ since the tender age of 7. His incredible four-decade journey in music is now chronicled in the upcoming documentary, “Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King,” set to stream on Amazon Prime Video on May 29.
The Evolution of a Soca King
The documentary delves into Montano’s relentless work ethic and his profound influence on the evolution of soca music. He recalls pushing himself to the brink during his annual “Machel Monday” concert experience, an event that once spanned seven days and drew over 25,000 attendees. The same year he released his massive hit single “Like Ah Boss,” Montano described the intense performance schedule as being “on death’s door.”
Montano believes soca music is on the cusp of a global breakthrough, drawing parallels to the rise of reggaeton. “We think soca music is upon that,” he stated, envisioning a future where soca artists achieve the same international recognition as global stars like Bad Bunny and Burna Boy.
From Curiosity to Global Icon
Montano’s musical journey began not just with a love for sound, but with a deep curiosity about the technology behind it. Growing up surrounded by a diverse record collection, he was fascinated by how music was captured on vinyl. This early interest in instruments and sound production quickly led him down a professional path.
His mother, Elizabeth Montano, noted in the documentary that Machel always knew his direction. “He always wanted to do it at a certain level, where he would always compete with himself and wanted to be better than the time before.” By age 9, he was already performing on major stages, opening for legends like the Mighty Sparrow at Madison Square Garden.
The ‘Michael Jackson of the Caribbean’
Throughout his career, Montano has often been compared to the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, for their shared trajectory of starting young and achieving global fame. Montano openly admires Jackson’s artistry, stating, “Michael Jackson’s DNA is in my everything.” He studied not only musicians but also great leaders and humanitarians like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., seeking to emulate their commitment to greatness.
Montano pioneered the concept of a child performer in calypso and soca, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. He’s evolved from a teen sensation to a respected elder statesman in the genre, affectionately known as an “uncle” figure.
Transformation and Faith
Looking back, Montano hopes the documentary showcases his “transformation” across all stages of his life, highlighting the spiritual elements and pivotal moments that shaped him. He wants viewers to connect the dots between his music, his personal growth, and his faith, encouraging them to chart their own lives with the essence of their being.
Ultimately, Montano credits his faith as his guiding force. “God is the boss. I am an employee,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s role in the grand scheme of things. His enduring legacy is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering belief.
Are you excited to watch ‘Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King’? What’s your favorite Machel Montano song or performance? Let us know in the comments below!
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