Look for the things that make us one- Soca artist Machel engages UG students
DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 24, 2018
Soca artist Machel Montano encouraged Guyanese to celebrate their similarities ahead of his independence show this weekend.
“We are all connected, we are all one so let us start to look for the things that we could share together and be connected,” Machel told University of Guyana staff and students at a press conference that explored the thoughts behind his music.
Machel Montano performing with local creole rock singer Gavin Mendonca.
GTT facilitated today’s discussion which was held in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) on the Turkeyen Campus. The company will donate ticket sales to the University’s Artist in Residence programme.
Overly enthused fans, gyrating to Machel’s music were afforded the opportunity to win tickets to his show and were treated to a mini-concert from the Soca king himself along questioning him.
Machel, 43, began singing at seven before launching into his career at the age of 10. The Calypsonian turned Soca artist noted that he wanted to fix the country’s (Trinidad) attitude towards its own music.
“Even when you hear Machel singing a fete song … there is something you will hear or something you will feel in that song that make you feel a sort of presence,” Machel said.
The singer became spiritual, noting he channels “an element of God … an essence of divine” in his music.
Machel said Guyana and the Caribbean region as a whole must strive for greater cooperation. “There was time when I felt competition was necessary but I came to the realisation after sometime when you cooperate the result is much better,” he said.
His message resonated with many in the crowd and local artist Gavin Mendonca who performs creole rock music performed local folk songs for Machel.
Machel Montano will be headlining a ‘Revelnation’ concert on Friday as part of Guyana Carnival independence festivities. The inaugural Guyana Carnival is a private sector initiative. A number of local artist is also slated to perform on the same stage.
By: Tiffny Rhodius
Photos by Keno George.
UG students capturing the arrival of Machel Montano.
Machel shares a photo op moment with his fans.