First-time author Elizabeth “Lady” Montano to inaugurate Tropicalfete’s 2022 Caribbean Author Connection Program with King of Soca Biography of Son, Trinidadian Soca Titan Machel Montano
June is observed as Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States, a time that highlights the versatile talents and achievements of Caribbean people living in the United States, the Caribbean, and around the world. The annual Tropicalfete Author Connection Program, held annually in June, highlights the work of Caribbean authors while emphasizing the importance of indigenous literacy and cultural identities in expanding educational opportunities. and of life. The Authors Connecting program is designed for all ages and consists of interviews and workshops with authors reading their works. The 2022 edition of the program will kick off on June 1, 2022 at the Brooklyn Public Library, Main Branch, with an interview, via Zoom, with first author Elizabeth ‘Lady’ Montano, who has written a biography about her son, superstar of the soca Machel Montano, the aptly named King of Soca.
Due for release in mid-June as the first publication of Lady’s EESM Publishers, King of Soca is a full account of Machel’s extraordinary 40-year career which, according to the former ‘momager’, is not well known, especially among young people in his native Trinidad and Tobago. Educator by training, Lady based King of Soca on his 2018 Master of Philosophy thesis entitled “The Making of Monk Monte: Creativity and Commodification in Trinidad and Tobago Popular Culture”. Lady originally planned to build on her dissertation and prepare for a doctorate. but decided not to go the academic route because she wanted her writing to be accessible to anyone interested in learning more about the titan of soca. “I’m very aware of Machel’s ongoing transformation and how much he opened my mind to inclusion,” she explained. “Although it says you must work with a defined target audience or a specific niche or population in mind for your product, I am confident that this work will provide an authentic, revealing and impactful account of the life of my son in music to anyone open to receive it.
Forty years in any industry is significant, but it is particularly remarkable in the world of music, and even more so in the Caribbean, more specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. Along with Lady’s focus on building a legacy, there is a sense of urgency for her to share the first 40 years of Machel’s history now. She sees the 40-year milestone as marking “the end of an era and the beginning of a new one that is still taking shape.”
“Celebrating 40 years in music is amazing to me and having a book chronicling this journey was something I never imagined in my wildest dreams,” Machel, 47, says of the book’s 2022 release. In recognition of Lady’s unique place in this project, he adds, “I’m honored to have this happen and truly excited to have this story told by the one person who knows me best.” My mother and I have been so closely connected to every twist of this remarkable ride that I know her story will be quite vivid and inspirational to all. Thank you, my ‘Lady’ – the best mother, manager and friend.”
The official launch of the King of Soca biography is due to take place in Trinidad in June, one of many initiatives planned to commemorate Machel Montano’s 40th anniversary in music.
Pre-orders for King of Soca will soon be open to the public. Interested parties are encouraged to follow @kingofsoca on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates, or email eesm@kingofsoca.com for more information.
