Author Elizabeth ‘Lady’ Montano – first-time author, Elizabeth ‘Lady’ Montano, has penned a biography about her son, soca superstar Machel Montano, the aptly titled King of Soca. Set for release in mid-June as the debut publication from Lady’s EESM Publishers imprint, King of Soca is a comprehensive record of Machel’s extraordinary 40-year career which, according to the former ‘momager’, is not well known, particularly among the youth of his native Trinidad and Tobago.
An educator by training, Lady based King of Soca on her 2018 Master of Philosophy dissertation titled “The Making of Monk Monte: Creativity and Commodification in Trinidad and Tobago Popular Culture.” Lady initially planned to build on her dissertation and work towards a Ph.D. but decided against the academic route because she wanted her writing to be accessible to anyone interested in knowing more about the soca titan. “I am very conscious of Machel’s continuous transformation and the extent to which he has opened my mind about inclusion,” she explained. “While it is said that you must work with a set target audience or a specific niche or population in mind for your product, I am satisfied that this work will deliver an authentic, revelatory, impactful account of my son’s life in music to anyone open to receiving it.”
Interviewer Patricia Meschino – Ms. Patricia Meschino, a journalist TropicalFete’s Award of Excellence will be given to Ms. Patricia Meschino, a journalist who specializes in writing about Caribbean music and culture. Patricia is the Caribbean correspondent for Billboard Magazine.
Her additional work credits include being the music editor of Air Jamaica’s In-flight magazine, SkyWritings, and the culture editor of Jamrock Magazine. Additionally, she contributes to Bobmarley.com, Riddim magazine, The Associated Press, The Village Voice, Vibe Magazine, The Source, The Miami New Times, Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, Sandals Lifestyle Magazine, Red Bulletin (Holland) and Songlines (UK).
She contributed the music section to a National Geographic book, entitled “Great Caribbean Family Vacations,” and was a featured commentator in the 2009 BET special “The Top 20 Greatest Moments in Reggae.”