by The King of Soca, Machel Montano, is back, and he’s coming with fire. As Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival season kicks into high gear, Montano just dropped a scorching video for “Her Mudda,” a collab with the Virgin Islands’ own Pumpa. But that’s just the beginning. This month, Montano will drop his highly anticipated album, One Degree Hotter, an aptly titled project marking his relentless hit streak and his recent Master’s degree in Carnival Studies from the University of Trinidad & Tobago.
Imagine spending two years studying and dissecting the roots of his own culture and using that knowledge to push the sound forward. That’s precisely what Montano did.
“After two years earning my Master’s degree in Carnival Studies, immersing myself in my culture, and studying where we’ve come from, I’m more inspired than ever about where we can go next,” Montano shares. “I couldn’t wait to get back in the studio and work on my next album, fueled by everything I’ve learned. ‘One Degree Hotter’ is a double entendre; it marks my Master’s degree and my mission to turn up the heat on my music and take it to the corners of the globe.”
Based on the singles already released, Montano is not playing. Tracks like “Fling It Up,” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido, and “Pepper Vine” with Lady Lava and Drupatee blend Soca with African and Indian influences, creating a global sound highlighting Montano’s creativity and innovation.
With Trinidad & Tobago’s 2025 Carnival fast approaching, Montano is gearing up to defend his Calypso Monarch title. His latest hit, “PARDY,” is already one of the most talked-about songs in the Road March race, where he’s chasing history. If he wins, he’ll tie with the legendary Lord Kitchener for the most Road March titles of all time; a staggering 11 victories. Montano’s domination of the Carnival circuit is nothing new, but 2025 could be one of his most historic years yet.
On top of the new music and the Carnival hype, Montano recently made history as the first soca artist to perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk. The stripped-down set showcased his raw talent and introduced millions to the high-energy, infectious rhythms of Soca.
Machel Montano has been running Soca for 42 years, and somehow, he’s only getting hotter. From selling out Madison Square Garden to rocking Coachella’s main stage with Major Lazer, he has elevated Soca to heights that once seemed impossible. He’s collaborated with Rihanna, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Vybz Kartel, and more, bringing his island vibes to the biggest platforms on the planet.
With One Degree Hotter, Montano is confirming that Soca isn’t just for Carnival; it’s a global movement. Whether it’s the Afro-Caribbean fusion of Fling It Up, the undeniable power of PARDY, or the hypnotic groove of Her Mudda, this album is about breaking barriers and taking Soca where it’s never been before.
