Machel Montano Named Everybody’s Magazine Person of the Year

Machel Montano Person of the Year headlines Caribbean culture in 2025 as Trinidad and Tobago’s “Soca King” earns top honors from Everybody’s Magazine. The recognition celebrates Montano’s unmatched influence, longevity, and global reach as a cultural ambassador for soca music.

Herman Hall, founder and CEO of the New York-based publication, announced the selection. The process combined strong reader engagement with editorial review and international consultation.

How Machel Montano Person of the Year Was Chosen

Everybody’s Magazine based the 2025 selection on public nominations and reader participation. Editors also considered global impact, influence, and legacy.

Readers submitted more than 49 names. The editorial team narrowed the list to top finalists. Advisors across the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom then discussed the final candidates. Montano earned the majority vote.

Machel Montano Person of the Year Reflects Four Decades of Impact

Montano has shaped Caribbean music for more than 40 years. He continues to push soca forward while honoring its roots.

In 2025, he captured his 11th Road March title with “PARDY.” The win strengthened his record as the most successful Road March artist in Trinidad and Tobago’s history.

That same year, the Caribbean Music Awards honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Brooklyn. The award recognized his innovation, consistency, and leadership in Caribbean music.

Global Milestones and Cross-Cultural Collaborations

Montano expanded soca’s global reach in 2025. He became the first soca artist to appear on NPR’s Tiny Desk, introducing the genre to new international audiences.

He also released several high-profile collaborations:

• “Home Is Where the Heart Is” with Bunji Garlin and Mical Teja
• “Fling It Up” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido
• “Truth & Balance (Remix)” with Ne-Yo, Ayetian, and DJ Mac

Other releases included “Pull D Pin” with Skinny Fabulous, Lil Natty, and Thunda, along with December’s “Bam Bam.” These tracks kept Montano at the center of Caribbean music conversations all year.

Expanding the Machel Montano Person of the Year Legacy

Montano continued to build his legacy beyond soca. He won the Chutney Soca Monarch title, proving his versatility across Caribbean genres.

He also released his album One Degree Hotter, which blended innovation with traditional Caribbean rhythms. The project reinforced his commitment to cultural evolution.

Standing Among Influential Global Figures

Montano topped a strong shortlist of finalists. The list included Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Zohran Mamdani, and Hurricane Melissa.

His selection highlights the cultural power of Caribbean music on the world stage.

A Historic Honor from Everybody’s Magazine

Founded in 1978, Everybody’s Magazine has a long history of honoring Caribbean and diaspora leaders. Past honorees include Clive Lloyd, Sir Arthur Lewis, Eugenia Charles, and Percy Sutton.

With this recognition, Machel Montano Person of the Year stands as both a personal milestone and a defining moment for soca music. His influence continues to carry Caribbean culture to audiences around the world.