‘From competition to cooperation’ is the new mantra of Soca King Machel Montano, and despite the title of his soon-to-be-released documentary, he says that, “God is the boss. I’m just an employee.”
Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, a documentary exploring the life and legacy of Montano, is both a tribute and an expose, and that’s exactly what the Pardy veteran intended. The premiere, held yesterday at the Carib cinema in Cross Roads, was the icing on the carnival cake, especially for the socaphiles who turned out in numbers for the private screening. Four decades of Machel Montano were showcased in under two hours as attendees revelled in the rich history of the man, the myth and the ‘Michael Jackson of the Caribbean’ who has been in the music game since he was seven years old.
The Happiest Man Alive, as he sings, narrated an unfiltered documentary which explored his pitfalls, depression, his legal battles in an assault case, and confronted with questions of him being gay, “….especially from people who should know better”. However, this journey also highlighted his tenacity and his ability to bounce back and reclaim his musical title as the undisputed King of Soca. Montano started the documentary in 2015, a pivotal year in his career which saw the song artiste take over the globe.
Cricketing legend and ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, who is planning to release his own documentary, spoke highly of the film.
“I’m glad I came here tonight. This is a great documentary … big respect to Machel Montano, the King of Soca … he did it like a boss,” Gayle told THE STAR.
Among Montano’s high points were his 2017 appearance at the White House, Coachella, performing in India in front of more than 250,000 people, and his sold-out 2022 concert at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, where he celebrated his 40 years in entertainment.
He told THE STAR that it was important for him to acknowledge those who were part of his journey. DJ Khaled, Tyla, Will Smith, Davido, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Shaggy and Fatman Scoop, were just a few of the artistes who were featured. An integral aspect of Like A Boss took viewers on a hectic 16 shows in seven days schedule, watching Montano perform at events with names including Insomnia, Bacchanal Sunday, and Brian Lara Fete.
Montano, a longtime advocate for blending music and mixing genres, was at the forefront of the creation of soca and has been honoured by his country Trinidad and Tobago.
Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King will have its digital release worldwide on May 29.
