Soca icon Machel Montano has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda ahead of his headlining performance at Melting Pot on Thursday, July 31st, as Carnival fever takes over the island. Montano is celebrating 40 years of excellence in music, and he’s not doing it alone.

Joining him is his mother and longtime former manager, Lady Montano, who authored the biography King of Soca in 2022. Though the book has been out for two years, she’s currently on tour with her son, continuing to spread the powerful message behind it: the importance of supporting young talent from an early age.

Speaking at a book signing held at Royalton Chic, Lady Montano shared this powerful message “Pay attention to your children they are never too young. Machel showed interest in singing from an early age, and as parents, we encouraged and supported him positively.” Her mission is to inspire families across the region to nurture potential and raise confident, capable Caribbean leaders.

Machel’s performance comes as Antigua and Barbuda marks another major milestone the 40th anniversary of the original Burning Flames, who helped shape the sound of Antiguan music. The season also holds emotional weight with the remembrance of the late Ricardo Drue, who would have celebrated his 40th birthday on July 31st

This year’s Carnival is more than just music and revelry it’s a multi-generational celebration of legacy, growth, and the power of believing in our youth.