Soca icon Machel Montano has been bestowed with the symbolic key to the City of Port of Spain.
The presentation was made by PoS Mayor Joel Martinez on Friday as part of mas company Tribe Carnival and Ultimate Events' launch of Sunsetwkn (Sunset Weekend)- their weekend-long launch of Tribe's 2022 Carnival presentation A New Dawn. The event was held at Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain.
Montano, in accepting the honour in recognition of his 40th anniversary as an entertainer, said his aim was to continue inspiring others.
He called on the audience to let integrity be at the forefront of their lives.
'Education is key, and if I could make it here any one of you could make it. Just stick with integrity and do it to the service of mankind - make them happy, make them inspired.
'So I'm really grateful for this key. And I'm grateful to receive this key to Port of Spain because it is very important to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.'
He added: 'Every opportunity is key. People ask me what is the key to success. The key to success is consistency, integrity and putting your best foot forward, and be fully involved. But, most importantly, doing it in the service of mankind. This is why I do music.'
Montano said he evolved by continuously learning new techniques to better his craft, and encouraged others to do likewise.
He told the audience about his first entertainment trip to Port of Spain from Siparia in 1984.
Then, just a little boy, he went to the city hall with his mother Elizabeth to participate in the junior calypso competition, which he eventually won.
It was his third year in the industry, and the victory was sweeter as he recalled having to leave the stage dejected because his cassette, which had his accompanying music track, malfunctioned.
In a corner, alone and being laughed at, a woman told him if he could teach the band his song in time he would be accompanied and have another chance at the title. This he did, and the rest is history.
Montano said while that was at the beginning of his career, him receiving the key to Port of Spain, the epicentre of Carnival in the country, gives him strength to continue for another 20 years.
Martinez said Montano is an inspiration to all, not just in the industry. He said Montano deserves the honour of having the key to the city as he is a trailblazer who is known as the King of Soca.
Montano said the honour was not just earned for himself, but on behalf of his friends, family and fans. He said in thinking of a key, one thinks of a door and a window and this will be a window of opportunity for him to share his wisdom and experience, as he continues to pave the way for those coming behind.
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