One of the last places you would expect to hear Machel Montano belting out “Is sweat I came out to sweat and bet I sweating more than you” is in front of a Tiny Desk. Yet, in keeping with his first law of Soca “It’s dancing time all the time” that’s exactly what happened. The “King of Soca” not only became the first Trinidadian artist to grace NPR’s Tiny Desk stage but also the first-ever Soca act to do so. Surrounded by drums, trumpets, keys, flugelhorn, bass, guitar, vocalists, and a small Caribbean audience, Montano brought the vibrant Soca melodies to life, delivering what felt like an intimate yet electrifying mini fete.
While making history, the Soca legend performed several of his hit records that have cemented his status as an icon in Caribbean music. The set list included crowd favorites like “One More Time,” “Dance With You,” “Fast Wine,” “Like Ah Boss,” “Famalay,” and “Soca Kingdom.”
The video of the live performance was posted on NPR Music’s YouTube page around 5:30 a.m. local time a nod to the always-on spirit of Soca. As with every NPR Tiny Desk performance, the session was recorded at the company’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Unlike outdoor concerts filled with cheering crowds, this intimate setting offers audiences a chance to experience live music from the comfort of their couches or any cozy spot at home.
The concept for Tiny Desk dates back to 2008, when founder Bob Boilen decided to host a performance by folk singer Laura Gibson at his desk due to sound and editing issues at a previous venue. The new setup allowed for greater clarity in hearing musicians without the interference of a boisterous audience.
Over the years, Tiny Desk has faced criticism for lacking inclusivity and primarily showcasing certain genres. However, in recent years, the series has broadened its scope to feature hip-hop, country, and now Soca music. Montano’s groundbreaking performance signals hope that the genre, rooted in Trinidad’s vibrant culture, will receive more global opportunities to showcase its unique sound.
For many outside the Caribbean and its diaspora, this Tiny Desk concert was an introduction to Soca. One top commenter on the video shared their excitement about discovering the genre and expressed plans to explore more. Other comments celebrated the historic moment, expressing pride in seeing Soca music gain recognition on such a prestigious platform.
An employee from the Tiny Desk team, identifying herself as a “Barbados-born, St. Lucia-bred gyal,” highlighted the sense of unity and pride in witnessing Soca’s representation at such a high level. She expressed hopes for more acts to follow, further spreading the sound of the Caribbean.
Machel Montano took to his X account to share his gratitude, stating, “For the first time ever, Soca music has graced the iconic NPR Tiny Desk stage. I am filled with gratitude and an overwhelming sense of pride to represent our culture on this global platform.”
This historic performance marks a significant step in the global recognition of Soca music and underscores the genre’s ability to unite and uplift audiences worldwide.
