King of Soca Machel Montano has received the Keys to the City of Kingston, Jamaica in recognition of his career in music, which has positively influenced fans in the Caribbean and the world.
Montano was honoured as Jamaica celebrated its Independence Day at the country’s National Stadium on August 6.
“Happy 61st to Jamaica and to Trinidad and Tobago,” Montano said after receiving the award in front of a packed stadium on Sunday.
“I am very proud to say I was born in Trinidad and Tobago but the first time I ever went to school was in Jamaica. I went to school at Mona Basic my brother went to Hope Valley Experimental. So Machel is not just Trinidadian, proud Caribbean, Jamaican, proud African. If you proud say yay yay proud and strong.”
In 1976, at the age of two Machel and his brother Marcus who was four at the time, moved to Jamaica with their parents Elizabeth “Lady” Montano and father Winston “Monty” Montano. The senior Montanos were both former teachers – Lady pursued a bachelor’s degree in Education while Monty took up Geology at Mona Campus.
“We took our children with us and continued to teach them our values,” Lady said.
“There is a manifestation for every action. Love one another. This has been Machel’s mission since he was a little child. If you listen to his music the common thread is always love, unity and peace.
“Machel has worked with about 75 Jamaican artistes opening them up to soca music. He also worked with the legendary Byron Lee and. He continues to work with Jamaican artistes and other artistes from around the world.
“This is a very proud moment coming to fruition.”
On Monday the international entertainer took to his Instagram page to highlight his latest achievement.
“Thank you, Jamaica, for the key to the city and your hearts as I definitely felt the love in the 38,000 strong stadium last night,” Montano said.
“What a proud moment for Caribbean unity and culture. Reggae, soca, dancehall, afro, Asian all present in a celebration of music.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented the citation to Montano amidst screams from the crowd. Read More
Machel on receiving key to Kingston: A proud moment coming to fruition. (n.d.). Www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/machel-on-receiving-key-to-kingston-a-proud-moment-coming-to-fruition-6.2.1770692.98a1997180
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