Soca singer and reigning Calypso Monarch Machel Montano has made history as the first soca artist to be featured on the popular NPR Tiny Desk concert series. The highly anticipated video was released on NPR’s YouTube channel today. Montano’s performance brings the vibrant energy of soca music to the intimate setting of the Tiny Desk, showcasing his incredible talent and cultural influence. This marks a significant moment for the genre, as it gains recognition on such a prominent platform.
The concert highlighted his versatility as an artist, blending traditional soca rhythms with contemporary sounds, and resonated with both his long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Montano shared the exciting news with his Instagram followers today, describing the moment as historic for Soca music and a moment for every Caribbean soul. He posted the following:
“Today we made history. For the first time ever, soca music has graced the iconic NPR Tiny Desk stage. And I am filled with gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of pride, to represent our culture on this global platform.
This isn’t just my moment, it’s OUR moment. A moment for every Soca lover, every Caribbean soul, and every person who carries the rhythm of the islands in their heart.
📺 We’re live now on NPR Music’s YouTube page.
Let’s celebrate this milestone together. Watch it. Share it. Be proud of how far our music has come. Thank you for being part of this journey.❤️”
Montano brought his signature energy to the NPR Tiny Desk concert, performing a selection of hits from his expansive catalog, including One More Wine, Dance with You, Fast Wine, Like a Boss, and Soca Kingdom. He was supported by an impressive group of musicians, including:
- Kyle Peters on guitar
- Bayete on keyboards
- Abletron Gawd on Ableton and samples
- Dwaingerous on keyboards
- Chandlar as a vocalist
- Damien Neblett on bass guitar
- Melvin Alick on drums
- Boomboomroomtt on percussion
- Etienne Charles, recently honored with the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, on trumpet and flügelhorn
- Antwon Black Soul providing background vocals
Tiny Desk Concerts is a celebrated video series of live musical performances hosted by NPR Music in Washington, D.C., filmed at the desk of Bob Boilen, the former host of All Songs Considered. Known for its intimate setting and authentic performances, the series has featured a wide array of renowned artists across various genres. Machel Montano now joins an esteemed list of musicians who have graced the iconic desk, including legends like Roy Ayers, Charlie Parker, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, Harry Styles, and Sting.
