We present “Dancing In The Streets x2” for your listening pleasure... first the updated version performed by Machel Montano and Mela Caribe at the Chutney Soca Monarch Finals last night and then the original version. Trust us—you’ll love both. But... let’s not pretend the room was neutral. When Machel dropped the Indo‑Trini mix of “Dancing In The Streets,” half the audience went wild and the other half whispered, “He’s really doing that here?” Love it or hate it, the moment was unforgettable.
❌ What Went Wrong
This was the moment Machel made a critical misstep that likely cost him the crown. The flow of the performance on stage was amazing, but then...
- Timing: The Indo-Trini mix wasn’t released early enough to build momentum among Chutney Soca fans.
- Fusion Overload: The Soca segment at the end diluted the Chutney Soca vibe he had built earlier. Damn, why did he do that? He tried to be too inclusive, is my take on that.
- Missed Cultural Depth: Including Hindu lines sung by both Mela and Machel could have added authenticity and resonance with a crowd that was waiting for his performance and those who thought he should not be there. He could have left them speechless!
✅ What Went Right
- Stage Presentation: Machel delivered the best visual and performance package of the night.
- There was joy, and the energy he brought to the stage was electric.
- Rhythm Section: Keshav from Jus Now brought serious heat to the rhythm with a sweet interpretation that, I am certain, made DJ Private Ryan smile.
- Production: The Indo-Trini mix was solid, and DJ Private Ryan delivered a top-tier production.
- Vibe: The energy was undeniable—a feel-good track with Carnival soul and an Indo-Trini vibe that was certainly palpable.
🎤 Let’s Celebrate the Moment
Yes, it was a missed opportunity. Machel Montano could have repeated as Chutney Soca Monarch—but that’s water under the bridge. What he did give us was a track that feels damn good, a track that went beyond the musical divide and surely would have made Lord Shorty smile.
We witnessed the presence of a Soca Diva in the making:
We’ve known Mela Caribe from her work with DJ Private Ryan, but now, thanks to this collaboration with the Monk, she’s a household name. Well done, MM.
Finally—Cote Ci Cote La:
And to the critics who said Machel didn’t belong in the show—he gave your genre visibility, validation, and vibes. Yes, say it: C'est La Vie!
Until next time… that’s all she wrote, folks.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Dancing In The Streets
Artist/Performed by: Mela Caribe x Machel Montano x Dj Private Ryan
Flavor: Into-Trini Mix by Jus Now
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Soca 🎶
Original Song:
Producer - DJ Private Ryan
Writers—Shereese Edmund, Machel Montano & Ryan Alexander
Additional Production—Machel Montano
Bass & Additional Production - JusNow
Tassa Drums & Additional Percussions - Lunatix productions
Additional Pan - Michael the Pannist
Mixed & Mastered by - JusNow
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This music is presented for your listening pleasure and promotional use only, in accordance with the “Fair Use” Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
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