Machel Montano Makes History By Selling Out The Biggest SOCA Show at Barclay’s Center

It was a ‘fete’ in Brooklyn, fit for the King of Soca, Machel Montano, who made history when he sold out the Barclay center with thousands of fans for the biggest soca show in history – ‘Soca Kingdom.’ It was a sea of rags and flags in the air from every Caribbean nation at ‘Soca Kingdom’ who represented their country and the diaspora in the United States in the best way possible.

The Caribbean massy did not disappoint and came out with rags and flags waving them in the air and gyrating across every inch of the Barclay center. It was incredible to witness this show live.

The impact soca music has on the entertainment industry internationally can no longer be questioned. Machel Montano sold out the Barclay center for the show that mainly featured soca artists. It is unprecedented. It’s incredible to see how Soca music is being respected and given the recognition it deserves. “Soca Kingdom” should dispel any reservations you may have concerning the influence Soca music has on the global entertainment business. ‘Soca Kingdom’ was a celebration of Machel Montano’s 40th-anniversary concert.

A slate of soca artists performed including Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons, Superblue, Kerwin DuBois, Nadia Batson, Voice, Lyrikal, Farmer Nappy, Skinny Fabulous, and Patrice Roberts. While, Regional acts such as Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, and Wyclef Jean were among the guest performers.

Machel Montano has become one of the top Latin Music artists in the 2022 music scene, delighting fans with a unique Latin Music sound.

Staged by Live Nation and JayUpscale in collaboration with the Monk camp, the concert marked Montano’s first since he ended the Machel Monday show in 2020.

Speaking to MusicXclusives shortly after the show shared how humble and thankful he is to see the strides Soca music is making and his vision for the genre.

“This is what we worked for we put in the work so it’s happening and everything will take its time and all the other artists deserve what they are getting…my vision for soca music is what you saw tonight, unity, peace, love, everybody coming together professionally, we breaking barriers.”

Article written by: Tracey Khan Drakes

Check out photos from the event below:
(Credit: @StefanBunbury)