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Soca icon Machel Montano brought Carnival energy to Kingston this week with the Jamaican premiere of his long-awaited documentary, Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, held at Carib 5 Cinema on Tuesday night.
Fresh off his Road March win during Jamaica Carnival celebrations, Montano continued the festivities by unveiling a deeply personal film chronicling both a defining moment in his career and his four-decade journey in music.
The documentary centers on Montano’s landmark 2015 Carnival season, the year he released the hit “Like Ah Boss”, while also tracing his evolution from a young dreamer into one of soca’s most influential figures.
“The documentary shows what we did for that carnival season, but it also tells my life story from childhood and beyond,” Montano shared.
A Decade in the Making
More than ten years in development, the film blends performance, storytelling, and introspection. It captures key milestones, including Montano’s multiple Road March victories, his sold-out performance at the Barclays Center in New York, and his personal journey into spirituality through yoga in India.
Equally compelling are the intimate moments, particularly those highlighting his relationship with his wife, Renée. During the screening, audiences responded warmly to scenes showcasing their bond, including footage from their 2020 wedding and the final installment of his signature concert series, Machel Mondays.
Montano acknowledged the transformative role his wife has played in his life, especially in strengthening his relationship with his children and grounding him beyond his earlier “playboy” image.
Beyond the Spotlight
The soca star also used the documentary to reveal lesser-seen aspects of his journey, including personal struggles and challenges behind the scenes.
“This is the side of me people don’t see unless I talk about it,” he said, noting his intention to give younger audiences a realistic view of life in the entertainment industry.
Caribbean Roots and Global Reach
Montano paid tribute to Jamaica’s influence on his career, recalling that his first experience playing mas took place on the island. He emphasized the interconnectedness of Caribbean genres, highlighting the shared DNA of soca, calypso, and dancehall.
The film features appearances from Jamaican music heavyweights Shaggy, Sean Paul, and Beenie Man, alongside international figures such as DJ Khaled and Drake.
Looking Ahead
Following its successful debut in Trinidad, Montano said bringing the documentary to Jamaica during Carnival season was intentional, allowing local audiences to connect with the story in a celebratory atmosphere.
The premiere concluded with a question-and-answer session and a live performance by Montano, giving attendees an immersive experience of his artistry.
Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King is expected to be released to the general public in theaters later this year, as Montano continues to expand his legacy beyond music and into storytelling.
“After decades in this industry, I’m grateful to still be relevant and loved,” he said. “Now I’m excited to explore new creative paths and share this journey with the world.”
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