Soca superstar Machel Montano has described the recently concluded St Kitts Music Festival as one of the Caribbean’s greatest cultural success stories, praising its consistency, regional impact, and contribution to the federation’s economy while urging greater collaboration among Caribbean nations.
Following his usual high impact performance, Montano said the event has evolved significantly since his previous appearance, growing into a world-class production that attracts audiences from across the region and beyond.
“This festival has been running consistently for 30 years. It’s a major part of the economy and a major part of the country’s cultural footprint because it welcomes people from all over the world,” he said.
The award-winning entertainer suggested that other Caribbean destinations, including his home country of Trinidad and Tobago, could draw valuable lessons from the festival’s sustained success.
He pointed to the former Tobago Jazz Festival as an example of the type of large-scale event that could once again thrive by blending internationally acclaimed performers with regional and local talent.
He also called for more deliberate collaboration throughout the Caribbean entertainment industry, stressing that the region should embrace its shared identity.
“The Caribbean is one big family,” he said. “Sometimes that’s what we have to do. We want to do it with more intention.”
His commitment to regional partnerships extends beyond the stage. The soca mogul revealed that he plans to return to St. Kitts for the upcoming Creative Power Arts Convention, where he hopes to work alongside local creatives while exchanging ideas and industry knowledge.
“We plan to collaborate with as many artists as we can, to share knowledge, but also to learn about St. Kitts by doing so,” he said.
Montano encouraged fans to support Caribbean artistes throughout the year, noting that the industry’s success depends not only on live performances but also on digital engagement.
“We have Soca music coming from all across the Caribbean throughout the year now. What we have to do is support the artists, not just by buying the music, but by streaming it, watching it on YouTube and helping to run up the numbers.”
The region, according to Montano, has an opportunity to strengthen its global cultural presence by supporting each other’s festivals, music and creative industries on a consistent basis.
His performance was among the highlights of three nights of the 2026 St Kitts Music Festival, with thousands of patrons singing along to a catalogue of hits that has spanned more than three decades.
