Machel Montano Makes History, Brings Soca Music To NPR Tiny Desk

Thanks to Trinidad’s Machel Montano, Soca music has officially graced NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. Earlier today, Montano and his band brought the Washington, DC studio to life with an energetic 20-minute performance. Opening with his 2007 hit One More Time, Montano introduced the audience to the vibrant sounds of Trinidad and Tobago, singing hits like Dance With You, Fast Wine, and Soca Kingdom. The lively crowd danced and sang along, waving Caribbean flags. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Montano celebrated the achievement as a proud moment for Trinidad and Tobago and the global soca community. NPR Music also shared their excitement, calling it “high-energy dance music of the Caribbean” at its best.