The legacy of the King of Soca is one that many around the globe have witnessed flourished into a successful career, but many do not know the intricate details and stories of Machel Montano.

That however has changed with the official launch of his book, ‘King of Soca: Machel Montano.

Michael Mantano plays a cadence upon his arrival to Antigua (photo by Everton Barnes)

The Trinidadian sensation alongside his mother, manager and author Elizabeth ‘Lady’ Montano held a special event on Tuesday night to launch the book.

Who better to tell the story of Machel than his mother Lady.

During the book launch, Chairperson of the Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul had nothing but commendations for the matriarch.

“Lady, this book, King of Soca, is not only Machel’s story, but also your legacy in motion. You managed to capture, with care and brilliance, the journey of the boy you raised into a global icon. Through your unwavering love, discipline, and vision, you gave the world more than a son you gave us a cultural ambassador.

“You nurtured raw talent with discipline, infused it with cultural pride, and anchored it in faith. You shaped a man who walks with grace, who speaks with purpose, and who lives with integrity. A man who doesn’t chase fame, but who lives fully, intentionally, because a queen raised him.

Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of Antigua and Barbuda Festival Commission

“Machel’s path is a living testament to what happens when a mother sees her child’s light early and commits to protecting it, polishing it, and helping it shine on the world stage. You taught him to stand tall, whether in shadow or spotlight, and because of that, we are all standing taller with pride today,” Makhoul said.

Makhoul has been a longtime family friend was beaming with pride in celebrating this momentous occasion.

“Tonight is more than a book launch. It is a celebration of a legacy one built beat by beat, moment by moment. King of Soca is more than a biography; it is a living archive of passion, perseverance, and purpose. It tells the story not just of the artist, but of the man, a man who has walked in his divine calling with boldness and humility.

“Lady, through it all, we know: this greatness was no accident. It was destiny, guided, nurtured, and believed in by a mother who saw not just who her son was, but who he was meant to become. So tonight, Lady we say thanks you for this Master peace. The crown behind the King,” she concluded.

The book was published in 2022 and is Lady’s debut novel.