The 2025 Chutney Soca Monarch and Road March winner, Machel Montano, thanked the people in the entertainment industry, sponsors and all who contributed to his success in a media release.
Following his two-year hiatus from Trinidad Carnival – during which he completed his masters in Carnival studies and won the Calypso Monarch title in 2024 – Montano returned to the Carnival scene and lent his experience and dynamic stage presence to selected events. He also made surprise guest appearances at many of the major Carnival events.
Montano said in the release, "To my incredible fans, my dedicated team, and the people of TT – thank you!"
"This Carnival season was nothing short of magical, and it’s all because of you. The energy, the love, the passion – everything we built together made 2025 a season to remember. My song, Pardy was more than just music; it was a celebration of the hard work, sacrifice, and joy that defines our culture. And after all that effort, we all deserved a magical Pardy on the road Monday and Tuesday! Big love to my people."
[caption id="attachment_1147649" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lady Lava - Photo by Jeff K Mayers[/caption]
Montano also acknowledged "some key players who helped make this season legendary," including his wife, children, parents and extended family. His management team and the creative team behind his 11th Road March win for Pardy also came in for kudos including, Mevon "XplicitMevon" Soodeen, Andre Jeffers, and Badjohn Republic, 1st Klase, Kyle Peters, Karyce Phillips, Kendel Hayes, Terri Lyons and Precision Productions, as well as all producers who did road mixes – Madness MUV, D Ninja, DJ Marcus Williams, DJ Optimus, DJ Kai, Dada & Marfan, the release said.
[caption id="attachment_1147645" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Machel Montano and Davido, Nigerian-American singer, songwriter perform on February 28 at Under The Clock, Queen's Royal College on Maraval Road, Port of Spain . - Photo by Faith Ayoung[/caption]
Elated over his Chutney Soca Monarch collaboration and victory, Montano saluted "the brilliant minds behind the song, Pepper Vine, namely Drupatee Ramgoonai and Krishna Persad-Maharaj, Lady Lava, Private Ryan, Jus Now, M1 and Mela Caribe.
"Thank you for making history with me! And huge shout-outs to everyone who helped produce, build and perform with us at Skinner Park! Much love and sincerest thanks goes out to all fans and supporters who showed up, sang your hearts out, and brought the energy to every single event. None of this is possible without you!"
Making special note of the importance of TT's national instrument, Montano thanked the steel orchestras who believed in and played his Bet Meh single in their efforts to claim the Panorama title:
"To the Siparia Deltones, bp Renegades and Massy Trinidad All Stars – thank you for trusting Bet Meh with your Panorama title aspirations; it was an honour to be there on stage at semis with you. Big up to De Red Boyz and Jason “Shaft” Bishop, for a masterful composition, which was also represen
