Trinidad and Tobago’s “Soca King” Machel Montano has been named Everybody’s Magazine Person of the Year for 2025. The announcement was made by Herman Hall, founder and CEO of the New York-based publication.
Hall said this year’s Person of the Year honor was determined by reader engagement and editorial input, with consideration given to global impact, influence and legacy. Montano was recognized for his four-decade-long career, which continues to energize Trinidad and Tobago’s culture on a global stage.
Hall said the top vote-getters for 2025, selected from more than 49 names suggested by readers, included Zohran Mamdani, Mia Mottley, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Hurricane Melissa.
“The top five finalists were discussed with about 15 persons in England, the Caribbean and the USA, and the Person of the Year was chosen based on whom the majority favored,” Hall said.
In 2025, Montano won the Road March title with “PARDY,” marking his 11th win, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Music Awards in Brooklyn. He also enjoyed chart success with “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” a collaboration with Bunji Garlin and Mical Teja, as well as “Fling It Up,” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido. Additional collaborations included “Truth & Balance (Remix)” with Ne-Yo, Ayetian and DJ Mac.
Other releases from Montano included “Pull D Pin,” featuring Skinny Fabulous, Lil Natty and Thunda, and December’s “Bam Bam.” He further solidified his legacy as a global soca superstar by becoming the first soca artist to appear on NPR Tiny Desk. He also added the Chutney Soca Monarch title to his list of accolades and released his album One Degree Hotter.
Everybody Magazine was first published in 1978. Each year, the publication selected a Man and Woman of the Year before later transitioning the honor to a single Person of the Year. Past honorees include Clive Lloyd, Arthur Lewis, Eugenia Charles, and Percy Sutton.
