Machel to receive keys as Patrice Roberts headlines the Miami Carnival Stage

Nigel Telesford

Photo courtesy Creative Media PR

Reigning Calypso Monarch, Machel Montano is scheduled to receive the keys to the Floridian city of Lauderhill on Friday evening, as the Miami Broward One Carnival Panorama competition takes place at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. No stranger to the Miami Carnival festivities, Montano has served in various capacities throughout the evolution of the largest Caribbean Carnival in the USA, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. 

Having headlined the Grand Parade and Concert, performed at various fetes, delivered keynote addresses and even served as a Grand Marshall before, Montano will also receive the key to City of Miami and Distinguished Visitor Proclamation from Miami-Dade County on Sunday during the Grand Parade and Concert main entertainment stage to be held at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds in Miami, Florida.

Frequent collaborator, joint Road March Winner and Soca Queen, Patrice Roberts and the A-Team Band are billed to headline the Parade Day Concert on Sunday, alongside an engaging cast of local, regional and US-baed entertainers, including: St Lucian singer, Teddyson John; NY-resident, Devon “Lyrikal” Martin; VI-based, St Kitts-native Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd; Miami-based Trini/Haitian singer, Jason “Sizwe C” Collins and many others. 

Roberts, who recently released a new single entitled, “Kitty Cat” expressed her elation and enthusiasm for the Miami Carnival experience. She said:

“I always look forward to Miami Carnival as it has been a consistent part of my career. Miami Carnival closes out the Carnival circuit for many, but it also resets it for many of us too. I appreciate the efforts of the Carnival committee and all the promoters, organizers, mas bands etc that continue to keep the Carnival alive after 40 years and look forward to many more…”

Already making waves with their latest collaborative release entitled, “Play Mas”, Teddyson John and “Lyrikal” both braved the inclement weather and are looking forward to the “Miami Carnival” action taking place over the weekend. The pair would have performed their new song last night at Lyrikal’s “Happy Place” welcome event on South Beach and “Festival Teddy” (as he’s being dubbed of late) is enthusiastic about performing again on the main entertainment stage at the Parade Day Concert. He told The Guardian:

“Miami is the last big one before you go to Trinidad you know, so everybody comes down or up for that one. Um, and it’s different too because of how huge Florida is – there are sooo many parties and different events happening leading up to the official Carnival stuff. So it’s a time when all the DJs, the artistes, managers, dancers, everybody comes together to represent their various islands and to make sure the people have a great time – it’s that kind of vibe, you know? 

“Miami is a place where I’ve been coming for years and it’s always different and special. The events and promoters are always evolving and introducing new technology and new concepts, the people are fashion-forward and come out looking stunning in the latest styles and this year, I get to perform at the main event for the carnival, so it’s a beautiful feeling to represent St Lucia, you know. I’m really excited to be here, especially in the wake of the hurricane that could have wreaked havoc and we do send prayers to all those adversely affected, but we also want to – and HAVE TO – celebrate the gift of life and the joy of music, friendship, community and Caribbean culture as well.”

Stay tuned for more Miami Carnival coverage over the weekend, download The Guardian App to get the latest images and reports and follow @overtimett on IG for exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

The post Machel to receive keys as Patrice Roberts headlines the Miami Carnival Stage first appeared on CNC3.