Machel drops in on PM Kamla, presents her with his new CD

Soca Superstar Machel Montano paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at her office Tuesday afternoon and presented her with a copy of his new hit “Advantageous”, which pays tribute to the Prime Minister and the Government for returning mas to the stage at the Savannah.

Montano said he and his long time friend Kernal Roberts, son of the late calypso icon Lord Kitchener, wrote the song, which he said was inspired by the Government’s "stellar commitment to culture" and in particular, Carnival.

“We think it is important to highlight that this government has paid the highest respect to the entertainers of Trinidad and Tobago and also to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. In first of all raising the prizes, they’ve encouraged a lot of young people to get involved in their culture,” Montano said.

“Looking beyond the competition, it is important to highlight that the government has given us back the stage. It is the greatest tribute to the people and to Carnival by giving us a home.

"In this song, we didn’t think twice to pay tribute to the government for taking us off the pavement. We think it was well worth every cent and we see this as intelligent. We know it’s a decision that’ll precede much greater things to come.”

During the visit, Montano entertained the staff at the PM's office, who were thrilled to hang out for a few minutes with the renowned entertainer.

Montano, who is from Siparia, recalled that he sang his first ever political campaign song for Persad-Bissessar during her election campaign in 1991 when she contested the General Election as a candidate for the Siparia constituency for the first time.