ECNETNews, December 20, 2024: Soca superstar Machel Montano and cricket legend-turned-musician Dwayne “DJ Bravo” have ignited excitement for Carnival 2025 with their latest musical collaboration, the “Pineapple Riddim.” The vibrant project was launched on December 18th at the iconic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain and features a remarkable lineup of talent, including Montano, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Barbadian soca icon Rupee, and emerging artist 47 Ronzy.
This collaborative effort is a joint venture between Montano’s Monk Music and Bravo’s 47 Productions, highlighting a determination to enhance collaboration and innovation within the soca music scene.
Promoting Cultural Growth
During the launch event, Montano, alongside Bravo, Lyrikal, Rupee, and 47 Ronzy, stressed the significance of investing in Trinidad and Tobago’s creative industries. He pointed out that while the nation has primarily focused on oil and business, the arts and culture sectors deserve more attention.
“Trinidad and Tobago is rich in culture,” Montano stated. “Caribbean music, particularly soca, is a valuable asset. Monk Music aims to support young creators by connecting them with global opportunities.”
Looking Ahead for Soca
In light of the recent government-led soca competition announcement and discussions about reviving the Soca Monarch, Montano shared his insights on the evolution of the music industry.
“We cannot go back; we can only move forward. The past won’t carry us to the future,” he remarked, recalling the golden era of Soca Monarch competitions that showcased artists like himself, Bunji Garlin, and Fay-Ann Lyons.
Montano acknowledged the Soca Monarch’s role in launching artists’ careers but emphasized that collaboration is essential in today’s music landscape. He advocated for elevating the quality of soca through improved writing, production, and messaging to inspire both young artists and the broader community.
“I believe soca is positioned to reach mainstream audiences,” Montano noted. “With Afrobeats gaining worldwide traction, we have a unique opportunity to promote soca on an international scale, especially in regions like India, Africa, and London.”
Empowering New Artists
Both Montano and Bravo highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talent, such as 47 Ronzy, with Bravo noting his commitment to collaborating with Montano to bring the riddim to fruition. The launch event included live previews of tracks from each artist, while Patrice Roberts participated via video to express her enthusiasm for the project.
Montano expressed optimism about the future of soca, citing growing international interest, including investments from a German contingent exploring the genre.
“While Carnival and competitions will always play a role, our primary focus is to unite efforts and elevate soca music,” he concluded.
The Pineapple Riddim is set to resonate during the Carnival 2025 season, showcasing the genre’s dynamic energy and global appeal.
