Machel Montano’s ‘Like Ah Boss’ chronicles ‘epic soca year’, 40-year success

Following the Carnival in Jamaica Road March on Sunday, Machel Montano continued the soca celebrations locally with the première of his documentary, Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, held on Tuesday night at Palace Amusement’s Carib 5 cinema in Cross Roads, St Andrew.

According to the Happiest Man Alive singer, the documentary focuses on the epic soca year that was 2015, “the year when I did the song, Like Ah Boss”. But it also chronicles his 40-year success in the music industry.

He told The Gleaner following his performance at I Love Soca, “The documentary shows what we did for that carnival season. But it also tells my life story from my childhood to that point and even goes beyond that.”

The film on the history of mas, which took over a decade to produce, has evolved into a visual masterpiece. Its pre- and post-production phases were completed late last year.

“It also explores me going to India and discovering spirituality through the practice of yoga, winning road marches over the years and selling out Barclays Center in New York,” he said.

On the night of the première, the audience was pleased to see Montano professing deep affections for his wife, Renée, who sat beside him during an interview.

He went on to share the tremendous impact she has had on his life, especially as an artiste once labelled a ladies’ man and playboy. Montano was particularly moved by Renée’s dedication, support, and encouragement in helping him strengthen his relationship with his children.

The true icing on the cake came with the heartwarming scenes of their private wedding and public celebrations during his concert Machel Mondays – The Wedding in February of 2020. This was his 10th and final staging of the annual series.

For Montano, it was equally important to showcase the dark times of his career as well. “This is the side of Machel that those looking on will never see or know unless I talk about it,” he shared, adding that he also took this great opportunity to show young people what life is really like behind the curtain.

Seeing all the hard work and dedication come to fruition has been meaningful for the musical community. He also hopes others will experience this Pardy and Encore through his perspective.

GRATITUDE

“After spending decades in this industry, I have so much gratitude for still being relevant and loved. I’m just excited about doing different things now, experimenting a little, and hope that it is a hit regionally as well as globally,” he said.

His connection to the local soil wasn’t lost in the film either. As a young boy running around with big dreams of one day becoming a soca legend, it wouldn’t have been possible without acknowledging his roots in the land of wood and water.

“As I have said before, the first time I ever played mas in my life was in Jamaica,” he said, adding, “Soca, calypso and dancehall are all related. So, I have to include my Jamaican friends in the documentary.”

He made special mention of local game-changers such as Shaggy, Sean Paul and Beenie Man, who make appearances in the film. Internationally, musical giants such as American producer DJ Khaled and Canadian rapper Drake are also present.

Following the successful debut in Trinidad, Montano said it is now Jamaica’s turn to experience the artistry, revelry and rich history of the soca monarch.

There was no better time than carnival season. A question-and-answer session followed the private screening with the soca megastar, and guests were also treated to a special performance, giving them a chance to experience the moment up close.

Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King will be open to the public for viewing in theatres later this year.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com