There was more than a natural mystic blowing in the air Thursday evening at Bob Marley Museum as “Lady” Elizabeth Montano, former manager and mum of celebrated ‘Soca King’ Machel Montano launched King of Soca, the story of her son’s rise to becoming the world’s most popular soca artiste.

Specially invited guests were able to purchase the book as well as view the archives of Machel Montano within the confines of the museum, including his ‘obeah falling diaper’ of 1996, audio recordings, photographs, concert paraphernalia, and other assorted memorabilia.

Guest speaker Alando Terrelonge, state minister in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, paid tribute to the author, her son and the potential of Caribbean synergy. “Our island nations have a great synergy, with Jamaica being the home of the king of reggae and the republic of Trinidad and Tobago being the home of the king of soca. Moving forward, it is essential that we strive to bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive and collaborative musical culture, he said.”

The minister’s speech was followed by a laid-back panel discussion with New York-based journalist Patricia Meschino, herself an expert on reggae and calypso, Elizabeth Montano and Machel Montano and entrepreneur Hypa Hoppy. They were later joined by self-acclaimed king of dancehall Beenie Man, no stranger to Carnival in Trinidad and who has also collaborated with Machel Montano.

The formalities ended in spectacular style as percussion maestro Bungo Herman joined the soca king in a medley of songs.

Book signing followed allowing guests the opportunity to immortalise the evening with photos and a one-on-one with Machel Montano and Lady Elizabeth.