Machel Montano
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
TRINIDADIAN Soca sensation Machel Montano said when he takes the stage tonight at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Music Masters, concert attendees can expect a world-class, high energy performance.
Mr Montano, who is headlining the concert, spoke as he arrived in Nassau from Eleuthera, where he was working on a slate of new music which included a collaboration with Grammy award winning singer/song writer Angela Hunt.
Ms Hunt's work was showcased in the writing of the hit song "Empire State of Mind", a Jay-Z and Alicia Keys creative work that is a worldwide favourite.
Mr Montano said at a press conference this morming: “I am here representing Soca music and Trinidad and Tobago but I feel very honoured today to act in the capacity of ambassador to the Bahamas, for the Bahamas and of the Bahamas. I am really really touched by what I see here because what I am hearing has been my mission not just for life but I have been focused on trying to bring the Caribbean together.
“A chunk of my life and my career has been coming here and selling out the Crystal Palace Ballroom to some people who would love Soca music so much that the walls would sweat, the floor would be wet.
“I have a very firm belief where we live at a time when the Caribbean is in full focus because of our lifestyle and what our lives portray to the rest of the world. We portray a lifestyle of paradise.
“We can now use this is an entry point, something that is beyond tourism that we can use now. It is something called cultural tourism.”
According to Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Danny Johnson, the Bahamas is the last in the region to come to the table with the carnival concept.
“We are bringing together all of the best people in the Caribbean, Latin America, Central America to show something about the story of us as a people.
“We have the no.1 Colombian band here, we have the no.1 Haitian band here, we have the no.1 Bahamian bands here and Soca artists here from Trinidad and this is what we are doing with one thing in mind - to put on the best Bahamian festival that we can.
“This is a celebration of us as a people. It is the food, the climate and the location.”
The Music Masters concert kicks off at 8pm on the Bahamia stage in Da Cultural Village. The Village extends the entire length of the Western Esplanade.
Comments
TruthHurts 9 years, 7 months ago
"Mr Montano said at a press conference this morming: “I am here representing Soca music and Trinidad and Tobago but I feel very honoured today to act in the capacity of ambassador to the Bahamas.."
We are natural born a**es! Mr. Montano..represent your country ey and show us how Car-ni-val is done! Can't hate on him, cause The Bahamas have no national pride! smh
Cobalt 9 years, 7 months ago
Yup. You said it.
It's really amazing to me that while our country is in an unprecedented state of crisis, Bahamians have the willingness to frolic in the streets. It's almost as if the government is using this carnival nonsense to distract senseless Bahamians from critical matters pertaining to the survival of our country. Bahamian stupidity is astounding. Surprises me everyday.
TruthHurts 9 years, 7 months ago
Agreed!! People I know crying 'poor mouth' when it comes to their bills, but I just heard them saying how they putting monies together to fly in to Nassau for the event?! There are no words.. senseless is an understatement!
concernedcitizen 9 years, 7 months ago
Carnival is one big a$$ PLP convention paid for by the treasury w/ jobs and cash prizes for supporters .I bet my left hand pinkie it did not bring one additional tourist ..The money would have been better spent for Atlantis or Baha mar to hire professionals and make some commercials to air in the US/Canada
TruthHurts 9 years, 7 months ago
"...money would have been better spent for Atlantis or Baha mar to hire professionals and make some commercials to air in the US/Canada"
Hey.. and even that would've been a waste of money as far as Baha Mar is concerned, seeing that they can't seem to open when they say they will!
akbar 9 years, 7 months ago
A Machiavellian tactic give them festivals while you pillage
The_Oracle 9 years, 7 months ago
A play right out of the Colonial masters book, Natives getting restless? Give 'em some rum, let 'em party, forget their hunger, then send the troops in to remind them who is lord and master. concernedcitizen is right, not a tourist in sight, Imported feathers, Economic stupidity.
TruthHurts 9 years, 7 months ago
@The_Oracle
I can't wait to hear how much of a success it was and how much 'bogus' monies we made from it! It's unfortunate most people my age don't know what you speak of and have never opened a history book since high school. But they can quote false prophets and tell you what's going on in Hollywood. These are the things that matter most. Red Shirt, Yellow Shirt during election time then Shopping, Entertainment and Whining up 'we-self' in the streets at Junkanoo carnival. All the while healthcare, education and a persons rights in this country takes a back seat. Only when 'you' are the one being inflicted by such things, only then you understand the need for change. But by that time it's too late! Many of us are very selfish and think when something affects Johnny down the street it has nothing to do with them. Very Sad.
duppyVAT 9 years, 7 months ago
How would you grade Montano's performance based on his $200,000 payday ............. as compared to the Bahamians performers for their stipends???????????
TruthHurts 9 years, 7 months ago
I would love to know.. Please someone enlighten us!
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