Machel Montano gets Key to the City of Lauderhill

MIAMI, CMC – Trinidadian soca powerhouse Machel Montano on Friday night added another key to his set – this time he was presented with the Key to the City of Lauderhill by Vice Mayor Lawrence 'Jabbow' Martin.

The token of appreciation and acknowledgement was given on behalf of Martin, other Miami commissioners and Mayor Kent Thurston for Machel's contribution to the community and culture.

In an exclusive interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on the sidelines of the presentation that happened during the Miami Carnival 2024 Panorama competition at Carnival Village North, Central Broward Park, Martin explained why Montano was chosen.

“We always recognise talent, we recognise special people that give back to the community and in this case, he's given so much. His music, it brings people together; it's a happy sound, it's a good sound, it's a party style and it embraces everything we talk about. We talk Caribbean culture,” he said.

Asked about the impact that Carnival has on the community, financially, Martin said: “I don't have specific numbers, because remember they were out of commission for a couple years because of COVID, so it's really only the second year back and they're saying bigger and better than it was last year, and last year was phenomenal. So we're still looking to see what happens.”

However, he stressed that beyond the monetary value, the unity and togetherness that the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is able to bring about annually is even more precious.

“Anytime we can bring communities together, that's what it's really all about. The economic impact kind of takes care of itself and, like I said, Lauderhill does great, Broward County does great and this [Carnival season] just brings families together,” he said.

Receiving the keys with a grateful heart, Machel really looked like the happiest man alive.

“I'm very proud to receive this honour, playing a role for so long since they say I too young to soca till now being Familay-lay-lay-lay,” he said. “Thank you very much to the City of Lauderhill for this honour…. I would like to thank the entire Committee, commissioners and heads.”

Machel told the audience of hundreds in the stands that regardless of the island you're from, “this is our culture”.

“The idea is one Caribbean…. Let's be proud of our islands, let's be proud of what we display in the world as total joy and happiness – our music, our food, our dance and our people.”

Singing a capella, the soca giant continued: “You see me, I's a man, love to play, love to jam. You see me, I's a man, Miami I so happy with this key in my hand.”

Montano also has the key to the City of Port of Spain, Trinidad; the key to the City of Kingston, Jamaica; and the key to the City of New York.

As he prepares to go on the road on Carnival Sunday, October 13, Machel urged everyone to remember fellow West Indians who may live in parts of Florida affected by Hurricane Milton this week: “Let's put our money where our mouths [are]. Let's help those in need. Please be safe this Carnival Miami…. I love you.”